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7373 Rochester Road (Route 31), Lockport, New York 14094 716-439-LAKE | ||||||||||||||||
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The vineyards are uniquely located in the Town of Lockport along the Niagara Escarpment which is an American Viticultural Area in Niagara County. The region was officially recognized as an AVA on October 11th, 2005 by the U.S. Department of the Treasury Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. The region's growth began in the late 1990s and there are now 12 wineries making up the Niagara Wine Trail. Wines range from traditional varietals such as Merlot, Cabernets, Chardonnays and Rieslings to fruit wines.
From Gravel to Grapes: The pea gravel used in the landscape today around the grounds was once mined from the property. Around the 1960's there was not much gravel left to mine and water filled in the pit which is now the lake. When the family first purchased the land they built a cabin and enjoyed the grounds for several years. In the early 1990's the dream began to build a winery and the search for a grape that would grow in the soil. After four years of research and a test vineyard, the Varallos determined that the best grape to grow on the property would be a Riesling variety. The process began and over 10 acres of vines were planted. The Terroir: The land beneath our vineyards was once an ancient beach - the shore of a prehistoric Lake Ontario. This lake is now miles away, but the majestic Niagara Escarpment remains, towering 250 feet above us holding the warm, moist lake air like a blanket over our vines. Ask to see the fossils that are on display in the wine tasting room! It’s this unique geography – where the water meets the land- that is reflected in every bottle from Varallo Vineyards The vineyard & grape growing process: We use a state of the art vineyard netting system on our ultra premium Riesling grapes. This consists of a double panel quarter inch mesh secured on top and below the fruiting wires. Because our grapes are harvested late in the season this system serves several purposes. Early in the growing season the netting helps train the vines. Once the grapes reach maturity they aide in bird & deer protection. Grapes are hand harvested by opening the net panels. By the time grapes are ready for harvest, some have dropped off the vine and the netting collects and protects grapes allowing the extra maturation to take place. The Wine: Varallo Estate Riesling; Smooth semi- sweet, full bodied, with hints of citrus. Full bodied with a sweetness appropriate for both entrées and desserts. Varallo Estate Select Late Harvest Riesling: When the grape leaves fade to a crisp shade of gold and the temperatures reach 28ºF for three days it’s time for our Select Late Harvest. Part geography, part soil and part timing and captured in every bottle from Varallo Vineyards. This wine is one step under an ice wine. The grapes are hand harvested in late December. Come join in on the fun at harvest time or any time! Ti’aspettiamo! We await your visit!
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