[jmccaf]

As a Finger Lakes, NY alumnus, I appreciate the respectful comparison to our regional vintage. Reportedly the moderated microclimate of the region due to lakes, and the glacial soil terroir are good combination. Cornells agricultural school also researches experimental varietals.

My NY family puts as much pride in the local apples and the summer sweet corn as the regional wine.

[cmrdporcupine]

I like the Finger Lakes area a lot. Shame there's a border in the way. If it was in my own country I'd rather live in Ithaca than here.

The Niagara area in Ontario is a few growing degrees warmer than the Finger Lakes (despite being further north) and Lake Ontario provides more of a protective lake effect on temperatures than the Finger Lakes themselves.

On the other hand, you get better snow cover for insulation in the winters.

In other respects, similar areas.

The battle about vinifera and its place here in Ontario is really kind of the story of Konstantin Frank vs Phillip Wagner in the Finger Lakes. Except here in Ontario, Frank "won" while in the Finger Lakes there was a compromise drawn. Bruce Reisch gets to make excellent new grapes and the local wineries grow them.

Up here, the products of Helen Fischer's grape breeding program doesn't get to contribute to the local winery industry. It's strictly all about -- what vinifera varieties sell well? Grow that and market the crap out of it.