Count this appellation as one of Canada’s most prestigious wine addresses. With powerhouses such as Hillebrand, Jackson Triggs and Stratus - the newest big house on the block –the Niagara Lakeshore DVA is sure to gain national and international attention. Mix in some long time favourites such as Konzellman and Strewn and you will have more than a few thirsty wine writers’ palates salivating for the first release of a Niagara Lakeshore labeled wine. The obvious climatic key to the AVA that follows the shoreline of Lake Ontario from the Welland Canal in the east to the Niagara River in the west is the moderating effects of the lake. This appellation has a cooler climate relative to surrounding appellations, as evidenced by a degree day average of 1373 GDDS during the growing season, as compared to Four Mile Creek (1425 GDDs), Niagara River (1470 GDDS) and St. David’s Bench (1423 GDDs). However, degree days aren’t necessarily always the primary issue in Ontario. In a continental climate such as Southern Ontario, the length of the growing season is often equally as important. The extended growing season afforded by the moderating effects of the lake gives grapes grown in this DVA the ability to development additional phenolic complexity and structure.