Who we are
Ontario grape industry
Ontario wine industry
Who we are 
Ontario Grape Industry
Ontario Wine Industry
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The Grape King represents a 66-year tradition in Ontario’s grape and wine industry that dates back to 1956. The title of Grape King, or Grape Grower of the Year, is bestowed upon an Ontario grape grower who exemplifies excellence in the vineyard.
Nominees for Grape King must have a working knowledge of vineyard management and the grape growing industry. Nominated vineyards are judged by industry experts from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and the University of Guelph. They are rated on a point system based on the following criteria: Cultivars, Diseases, Insects, Weed Control, Soil Management, Canopy Management, Overall Quality of Vineyard, Outreach, and Miscellaneous.
The Grape King is an ambassador and an advocate for all grape growers across Ontario as the grape and wine industry continues to move forward.
Grape King
Erwin Wiens
Ben Froese
John Fedorkow
Chris Van de Laar
Doug Whitty
Jamie Quai
Jamie Slingerland
List of previous Grape Kings
While the regalia has changed from a crown and cape, the King wears a chain that carries the names of all of the Kings that came before; including Chris’s father, 1985 Grape King Peter Van de Laar.
The original Van de Laar family farm on the Niagara Parkway was purchased in 1952 by Chris’s grandparents, Dutch immigrants Peter and Catherine. The fruit market which the family has operated for the last 66 years, and is well-known for selling high quality local produce, has many regular customers that have been buying their fruit from the Van de Laar’s for generations. Chris’s dad Peter worked and then owned the farm for most of his life along with Chris’s mother, Cathy. Peter was a pioneer in the grape industry having planted some of the first vinifera varietals in the area.
Since buying the farm in 2005, Chris has expanded the operation with the purchase of three additional properties and now farms; more than 110 acres of premium grapes that go into Arterra Wines Canada’s Inniskillin and Jackson Triggs brands.
Chris and his high school sweetheart Laura have a daughter, Erica, who graduated from Law School at Western University, and son Nathan who may follow in the family farming tradition.
Chris Van de Laar was officially installed as the 63rd Grape King on Wednesday, September 12th at 3:00 pm at his Line 7 vineyard (at Concession 2) in Niagara-on-the-Lake.