Lakes: The Great Ones! O n t a r i o's M a g n i f i ce n t M o d e ra to rs Lakes Ontario, Erie and Huron - part of the largest freshwater system in the world - shape Ontario's wine regions and play a major role in moderating the extremes of our continental climate. These lakes create the perfect cool climate conditions, giving our wines elegance, structure, food friendliness and good aging potential. * Cool lake air in the spring protects from early bud break and protects against spring frost * Air flow during the growing season moderates hot summer days, maintaining freshness and acidity * Warm lake air in the fall extends the growing season, providing perfect ripening conditions Niagara Escarpment Haldimand Clay Plain Lake Iroquois Plain Lake Ontario L i m e s to n e : I t 's A b o u t O u r Ro c ks ! 5 0 0 M i l l i o n Ye a r s i n t h e M a k i n g If there were to be a "most famous" soil type for producing fine wine, it would probably be limestone. Ontario's soils in the Great Lakes basin vary from sand to clay to rock, with a high concentration of limestone from an ancient seabed that was exposed to over one million years of glacial activity. Ontario is one of the few wine regions in the world that is founded on limestone, similar to Burgundy and Champagne. Limestone nutrients and minerality produce a special lift and elegance in our wine. winecountryontario.ca VQA | 2019/20 Travel Guide 7http://www.winecountryontario.ca