Lake Erie North Shore – click to enlarge
Ontario – click to enlarge
Lake Erie North Shore, often abbreviated as LENS, is located in southwestern Ontario, Canada, along the shores of Lake Erie, and is almost completely surrounded by water. It is the province’s southernmost appellation, just a few hours from the Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton and only minutes from Windsor and the U.S. border. It spans across several municipalities, including Essex County and parts of Chatham-Kent.
The appellation’s landscape consists of long, gentle slopes that face various directions, with elevations ranging from 172m to 196m above sea level. These slopes allow for good drainage and exposure to sunlight.
The region benefits from a moderate climate influenced by Lake Erie’s warming effects. The lake helps to regulate temperatures, creating a microclimate conducive to grape growing. Summers are warm, and winters are relatively mild compared to other parts of Canada. Sandy soils and a maritime influence from Lake Erie characterize the region’s terroir. This contributes to the unique flavour profiles of the wines.
Wineries in the region produce a diverse range of wines, including crisp white wines, aromatic rosés, and full-bodied reds. Varietals grown in the region include Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir.
Icewine production is also significant in this region, thanks to the climatic conditions conducive to the production of this sweet dessert wine.
It shares the Ontario wine region with Niagara Peninsula and Prince Edward County.
