Pelee Island and Lake Erie North Shore, Ontario: A Climatic Analysis of Canada's Warmest Wine Region

The longest growing season and the highest number of heat units are the two primary characteristics distinguishing Pelee Island and Lake Erie North Shore from the other wine regions of Canada. Nonetheless, frequent damaging temperatures in winter are still the chief limitation to the production of Vitis vinifera varieties. So far, scrupulous site and cultivar selection has enabled growers to reduce the possibility of major freeze damage, enabling the production of wines of quality and distinction. This, together with the willingness of the growers and wine makers to adopt new vineyard and winery technology, makes the future of wine production in these areas highly promising.