unique characteristics, the three regions do share some characteristics. The soil in the three region is all made of loose gravely soil, laying atop Trenton Limestone, and having been deposited there during the retreat of earlier proglacial lakes, or through earlier glacial events that eroded the surrounding area's bedrock. The gravely soil helps provides drainage of water. Climate Southern Ontario is in roughly the same latitude as southern France (Provence and the Languedoc). These regions have a tradition of growing tender fruit such as apricots and peaches, and has the growing conditions to consistently ripen many varieties of vitis vinifera grapes. All three official wine growing regions in Ontario rely on either Lake Ontario or Lake Erie as a moderator for air temperature. Grapegrowing in Ontario has its challenges, particularly outside of the southern regions normally associated with tender fruits. At times, wine regions in Ontario suffer from harsh winters which can damage tender vines. In addition, its humid summers can increase the pressure from fungal diseases. However, experience and advancement in technology in recent decades have led to the development of vineyard management techniques (for example, the use of wind machines in vineyards), variety selection and winemaking techniques to meet these challenges. Regions Lake Erie's north shore The north shore of Lake Erie is Ontario's most southerly wine growing region, and receives more growing degree days per year than any other wine-growing region in Ontario. However, as opposed to Lake Ontario, Lake Erie is capable of freezing over completely in the winter, which also affects local growth patterns. The region is bounded by Lake St. Clair to the northwest, the Detroit River to the west, Lake Erie to the south, and extends eastward to St. Thomas. The region is made up of small slopes, with an elevation ranging from to , with an average elevation of . The VQA also recognizes one sub-appellation within Prince Edward County, the South Islands, a group of islands adjacent to the north shore, most notably Pelee Island. Niagara Peninsula The Niagara Peninsula is the largest wine-producing region in Canada. Spread across of land, the growing region is the largest viticultural area in Canada. The growing region comprises most of the Niagara Peninsula, bounded by Lake Ontario to the north, the Niagara River to the east, the Welland River to the south, and the city of Hamilton to the west. The Niagara Escarpment is