The Niagara Escarpment, Niagara Peninsula, and Niagara-on-the-Lake are three distinct wine regions in close proximity but with unique characteristics. The Niagara Escarpment wine region, established as an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in 2005, is located near Buffalo, NY. Its unique climate and terroir are influenced by the slopes of the Escarpment and the Great Lakes, making it suitable for cool-climate grape varieties like Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc, as well as ice wines. The Niagara Peninsula, situated in Ontario, Canada, is the largest wine-producing region in the country. Established in 1999 as a VQA (Vintners Quality Alliance) appellation, it boasts diverse microclimates and soil types, allowing for a wide range of grape varieties to be cultivated. The region is renowned for its ice wines, Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Noir. Niagara-on-the-Lake, a smaller sub-region within the Niagara Peninsula, was recognized as a VQA appellation in 1990. It benefits from a unique microclimate due to its proximity to Lake Ontario and the Niagara River. This region is famous for producing premium quality ice wines, along with varietals like Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Noir. The picturesque town of Niagara-on-the-Lake is also a popular tourist destination with its charming wineries and boutique hotels.