Local Voices: A Glass of Red with Robin and Duncan Ross

Niagara County is known for its wineries. Here, the founders of one of the area's most well-respected vineyards explain what it is about the land and the climate that make it ideal for wine connoisseurs — especially those who love a good red.

The Niagara Falls wine region is an oenophile's paradise with an array of top-notch vineyards, but Cabernet Franc lovers should head to Arrowhead Spring Vineyards to taste the vintages produced by husband-and-wife winemakers Robin and Duncan Ross.

Pictured: Robin and Duncan Ross
A middle-aged man and woman walk in a vineyard with a black collie dog.

The Rosses began their winemaking journey 20 years ago when they first purchased a parcel of land just outside of Lockport. "In 2006, we planted our first eight acres of vines,” Robin says. “2008 brought our first harvest and also the first year of opening a tasting room in a small building attached to our house." With plantings increasing over the years, as well as an expanded building footprint, they now farm 38 acres with eight planted varieties of grapes and host year-round wine tastings at their 7,000 square-foot retail space.

"The land and the climate here, or what we call the ‘terroir,’ really lends itself to red wines,” Duncan says. “We've got a limestone-based soil with a clay mix, some gravel, some sand in spots, but the soil pH is really fairly neutral, and that lends itself to vinifera grapes growing just as they do around the world, particularly in Burgundy and Bordeaux."

Two bottles and two glasses of red wine and a plate of chocolates next to a lit fireplace.
Pictured: Cabernet Franc is a specialty at Arrowhead Spring Vineyards.

What Makes Niagara County Ideal for Wineries?

The Rosses have also committed to farming sustainably, utilizing solar and wind power along with naturally climate-controlled underground cellars to save energy. The vineyards themselves are also certified as sustainable.

"We don't use any herbicides in the vineyard,” Robin explains. “We use cover cropping, like red clover, so that we don't have to apply fertilizers. Instead, we let what we mow break down into nitrogen components for the plants.”

A Taste of Niagara County

While they aren't being kept busy during the peak summer season — the tasting room is at its fullest from Memorial Day to Labor Day — Duncan and Robin are taking advantage of all the Niagara Falls region has to offer.

Duncan points to Fort Niagara as "a super attraction," for the history and beautiful natural surroundings. Robin recommends the walking paths along the Erie Canal, which are perfect for strolling and taking in the views — and are less strenuous than a traditional hike.

"We have four seasons,” Robin says, “and I'm definitely the kind of person that spends most of their time outdoors."

Arrowhead Spring Vineyards is open year-round for tastings and wine purchases. Learn more here.

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