| Wine region | |
| Type | American Viticultural Area |
|---|---|
| Year established | 2005 |
| Years of wine industry | 1990s-present |
| Country | United States |
| Part of | New York |
| Sub-regions | Niagara County |
| Climate region | Continental |
| Total area | 18,000 acres (7,284 ha) |
| Grapes produced | Baco noir, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Catawba, Chancellor, Chardonnay, Concord, Diamond, Merlot, Niagara, Pinot noir, Riesling, Seyval blanc, Siegfried, Steuben, Syrah, Malbec, Vidal blanc |
| No. of wineries | 22 |
The Niagara Escarpment AVA is an American Viticultural Area in Niagara County, New York along the Niagara Escarpment. Certified by the United States Department of the Treasury's Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau on October 11, 2005, it covers an area of 18,000 acres (7,284 ha).
This wine region is less developed with more available land than the 70 or so Niagara Peninsula wineries on the Canadian side of the Niagara River, but shares the same terroir. Wines range from traditional grape varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon. Chardonnay and Riesling to fruit wines. The hardiness zones are 6a and 6b.
History
The oldest winery in the region dates to the 19th century (no longer in business), but the region's growth began in the late 1990s with the opening of the first new winery. There are now 22 wineries making up the Niagara Wine Trail.
References
- Code of Federal Regulations. "§ 9.186 Niagara Escarpment." Archived 2012-02-12 at the Wayback Machine Title 27: Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; Part 9 — American Viticultural Areas; Subpart C — Approved American Viticultural Areas. Retrieved Jan. 31, 2008.
- Wine Institute, The (2008). "American Viticultural Areas by State". Retrieved Jan. 31, 2008.
- Appellation America (2007). "Niagara Escarpment (NY) (AVA): Appellation Description". Retrieved Jan. 31, 2008.
- Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 173 / Thursday, September 8, 2005 / Rules and Regulations, page 53300 - Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau 27 CFR Part 9 [T.D. TTB–33; Re: Notice No. 33 RIN 1513–AA97. Establishment of the Niagara Escarpment Viticultural Area (2004R–589P)