LCBO Food & Drink Spring 2025

Our Appellations at a Glance

Ontario’s wine country is situated in the heart of the world’s fine wine zone. Located between 41° and 44° North and stretching across 18,000 acres (7,284 hectares), our vineyards are made up of complex limestone based soils created by glaciers thousands of years ago. Ontario’s appellations, geographically defined wine areas, benefit directly from their proximity to three of the five Great Lakes of North America, the largest fresh water system in the world. This unique combination of latitude, lakes and limestone is the foundation on which Ontario is making globally acclaimed wines. Niagara Peninsula Ontario’s oldest wine appellation draws its cool climate character from winds off the Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario. Complex glacial soils carved from the Ice Age are the backbone for exciting wines from a wide range of grapes. This appellation encompasses 10 sub-appellations and three regional appellations. (See maps at right.) Lake Erie North Shore Ontario’s southernmost appellation benefits from warm temperatures and a long growing season. The warm, shallow waters of Lake Erie afford excellent ripening conditions for full-bodied wine. This appellation encompasses Ontario’s newest sub-appellation, South Islands, which includes well-known Pelee Island. Prince Edward County Ontario’s coolest appellation is a virtual island on the northeastern end of Lake Ontario with more than 800 kilometres of shoreline, including renowned Sandbanks Provincial Park. Stony calcareous limestone soils and a short growing season produce concentrated fruit resulting in wines with bright acidity and distinct mineral character.

DISCOVER ONTARIO’S APPELLATIONS