Geographically situated between the Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario, the wine region has a unique micro-climate. The cool climate region of Niagara enjoys long days during the growing season. This makes it suitable for the production of the types of fruit that are used to create its fine wines. The longer the growing season, the more the fruit builds a chemical called fruit esters that give the fruit the qualities of aroma and taste – the longer the growing season, the better the fruit. Along with the moderate climate, the character of the local soils, the dolomitic limestone of the Escarpment and the gravel silts near the Ontario lakeshore are ideal for growing vinifera grapes. European vinifera wines, including Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Vidal Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc, thrive in the region. In fact, the climate in some areas compares to that of the Alsace, a region of northeastern France, on the borders with Germany and Switzerland.
If you’re scoping out a breezy place to relax along the Buffalo River, the RiverWorks brewery and beer garden are calling your name. Looking to get on the water? Rent a kayak, stand up paddleboard and hop on the Buffalo CycleBoat or Buffalo Tiki Tour. Seeking heart-pumping adventure? Put your rock climbing skills to the test as you scale the sheer walls of the grain silos. Catch a action-packed roller derby bout, jam out to a concert or enjoy one of the events happening nearly every weekend at RiverWorks. This brewery, restaurant, sports, leisure, adventure and entertainment complex has become a one-of-a-kind destination along Buffalo’s waterfront featuring fun throughout summer and winter including ziplining, rock climbing, roller derby, and more!
The Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park is the largest in-land Naval Park in the country located on Buffalo’s Waterfront. This unique family destination features four decommissioned Naval vessels that served in a variety of military conflicts in our nation’s history.