Situated in the town of Lincoln, this 120-acre vineyard on Merritt Road stretches all the way from the QEW to Lake Ontario and has produced some of the best wines the winery has ever decanted. Located inside the lakeshore effect zone within the Lincoln Lakeshore wine appellation of the Niagara Peninsula, the area is strongly influenced by the presence of the open lake waters. The land warms quickly in the day and cools rapidly on clear nights but the temperature of the lake changes slowly due to its great mass, making this a favourable location for avoiding late spring frosts. On a clear, frosty night, the land surface becomes cooler than the lake surface. Air above the lake rises, drawing in cooler air from the land surface, creating an off-shore breeze. The air now above the lake is warmed, rises and flows back over the land, creating a circular heat-pump effect. The soil is mainly composed of clay and retains much more moisture, making it less prone to summer drought. On the other end, it requires more tillage and grass management to ensure optimal aeration for the vines root system. The grapes grown on this property reflect a unique terroir due to the natural chemical composition of the soil that has helped shaped many vintages of our world-class Icewines. The vineyard, which has beared quality fruit since the early 1980s, produces extremely well balanced cool-climate whites alongside full-bodied reds.
Grapes Grown On This Property
Vidal
Pinot Gris
Riesling
Chardonnay
Gewurztraminer
Sauvignon Blanc
Merlot
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Franc