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7 4 V I N E YA R D & W I N E RY M A N A G E M E N T | M a r - A p r 2 016 w w w. v w m m e d i a . c o m with a smaller amount of acre- age along the north shore of Lake Erie, between latitudes 41 to 44 degrees. In the west, about 8,500 acres of vineyards are planted in Okanagan Valley, between lati- tudes 49 to 50 degrees, just north of Washington state. These are among the northernmost vineyards on the planet. Both regions rely on climates mitigated by large bod- hen it comes to growing wine grapes and making wine, Canada represents the northern- most outpost of the wine industry in North America. There's a sur- prising community of outstanding growers, winemakers and techni- cal support scientists who've cre- ated two exceptional, high-quality wine growing regions during the past 40 years. A combination of unique geography, geol- ogy and weather, along with determined people, allow the possibility of growing vinifera wine g r a p e s i n t h e s e v e r y northern climates. Canada has vineyards and wineries in almost all of its provinces but the two principal wine g r o w i n g r e g i o n s a r e Southern Ontario in the east and Okanagan Val- ley in the west. Just across the border from the United States (New Yo r k a n d M i c h i g a n ) , Southern Ontario has about 17,000 acres of mostly vinifera and some hybrid vines for wine. Most of these vineyards are planted on the south shore of Lake Ontario ( t h e N i a g a r a r e g i o n ) BY GLENN MCGOURTY ies of water that don't freeze most years in the winter. Vinifera vines planted more than 10 miles from the shores of these lakes are likely to be severely damaged during the occasional, severely cold winters that do occur. Besides being very far north, both areas are considered "banana belts" of Canada where diverse fruit crops grow. Okanagan Valley is an important cherry pro- duction area, along with apples and some stone fruits. Southern Ontario grows cling peaches, apples and pears. Cana- dians also love vacation- ing and retiring to these areas, as the climates are considered mild and p l e a s a n t w h e n c o m - pared to the foggy and rainy Pacific West Coast and other parts of the country with very cold winters and humid, hot summers. CHALLENGES IN ONTARIO N e s t l e d b e t w e e n L a k e E r i e a n d L a k e Ontario, this vineyard region is quite lovely, with leafy green forests, Viticulture in Brilliance at the edge of adaptation + Canada represents the northernmost outpost of the North American wine industry. + The two principal wine growing regions are Southern Ontario (130 wineries) and Okanagan Valley (120 win- eries). Both are considered "banana belts." + Ice wine is a premier product of Canada and has an international following due to its unique qualities. + Vineyards in Ontario appear well groomed and man- aged, and require a fair level of sophisticated prac- tices to keep them alive and productive. + Okanagan Valley has a high desert climate and many vineyards are grown on alluvial fans and escarpments. + Most Canadian wines, which range from dry whites to rich red blends and sweet ice wines, are consumed in Canada. AT A GLANCE