NIAGARA ESCARPMENT AVA

This northerly region is one of the warmest in New York State, largely due to the warm air currents from Lake Ontario. Although native and hybrid varieties dominate the vineyards, intrepid winemakers are starting to plant European grapes and experimenting with dry still wines.

Freedom Run Winery was one of the founding members on The Niagara Wine Trail. European vinifera wines, including Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Vidal Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc, thrive in this region. In fact, the climate compares to that of the Alsace, a region of northeastern France, on the borders with Germany and Switzerland. 

The Niagara Escarpment was officially recognized as an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in 2005 and the larger “Greater Niagara” region is one of the fastest growing wine regions in the nation. The geography of The Niagara Escarpment and surrounding area have a unique climate that is one of the warmest in New York State due to proximity to the Great Lakes and the glacial rip of the Escarpment itself, which traps warm air currents from Lake Ontario. The dolomitic limestone soil of the Escarpment and the gravel silts near the lakeshore, along with a moderate climate, sloping land and well-drained soils, are ideal for growing vinifera grapes and a wide variety of fruit, during a 205 day growing season.