What type of climate is primarily found in Ontario's growing regions?

Ontario's growing regions are predominantly characterized by a continental climate. This type of climate is defined by significant temperature variations between seasons, with warm summers and cold winters. These seasonal differences in temperature are crucial for viticulture, as many grape varieties need a certain amount of heat to ripen effectively and need a cold period to promote dormancy.

In Ontario, the continental climate is influenced by its location within North America, where large land masses create variations in temperature. The Great Lakes also moderate some of these effects, creating microclimates that can be quite favorable for grape growing. Ontario's wine regions, particularly the Niagara Peninsula, benefit from this climate, as the warm summers help grapes to mature, while the cold winters are typical of a continental setting.

The other climate types offered in the choices do not accurately reflect the conditions found in Ontario's wine-growing areas, as marine climates tend to be wetter with milder winters and cooler summers, tropical climates are characterized by warm temperatures year-round with high humidity and rainfall, and desert climates experience minimal precipitation and extreme temperature variations, which are not conducive to traditional viticulture.