The Niagara Peninsula like Burgundy, Oregon and New Zealand, is considered a cool climate viticultural region. The Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate winery produces premium wines you would associate with these world-class regions, but with their own distinctive characteristics based on the unique terroir (soil and geographic qualities) of the area. Premium quality grapes flourish around Niagara-on-the-Lake because of the warming and cooling influences of Lake Ontario and its proximity to the Niagara Escarpment.

The 11.5 acres of meticulously tended vineyard at the Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate have been planted with the finest vinifera clones and rootstocks - custom grafted in France. The vineyard features three classic varietals: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Riesling. Our winemakers also work very closely with a number of carefully selected grape growers in the Niagara region to augment their supply of premium vinifera grapes such as Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gewürztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc. All of these major varietals are showcased at the front of the winery in a demonstration vineyard which forms part of the visitor's tour.

In partnership with his wife, Elaine, Jackson-Triggs' co-founder and proprietor Don Triggs purchased just under 100 acres of prized fruit land along the Niagara Parkway. First planted in 1999, the vineyard is called Delaine Vineyard. Formerly an apple orchard, Delaine Vineyard is dedicated to provide premium quality vinifera grapes for Jackson-Triggs' Niagara Estate winery. The 100 acre vineyard also serves as a research centre and is dedicated to maximizing fruit quality by tracking the impact of different clone and rootstock combinations, pruning techniques, soils and climatic conditions on a range of grape varietals.

Overseen by Elaine and assisted by vineyard supervisor Scott Jones, Delaine Vineyard is taking a visionary approach to viticulture in the region. The majority of grapes planted here are red varietals including Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Syrah. The white varietals - Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer and Semillion - complete the vineyard.

The first ultra-premium wines of the 2001 vintage from Delaine Vineyard were released for sale in very limited quantities, under the Jackson-Triggs brand in the summer of 2003.