The publication entitled “Starting a Winery in Ontario” was published in 2003 by the then Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food (OMAF). This report is intended to help prospective winemakers understand the complexities of managing a commercial wine business in Ontario.

The report can be purchased for $35 + shipping from Service Ontario Publications at 1-800-668-9938.

ACTS AND REGULATIONS:

Ontario Alcohol and Gaming Regulation and Public Protection Act, 1996
Ontario Farm Products Marketing Act, 1990
Ontario Liquor Control Act, 1990
Ontario Liquor Licence Act, 1990
Ontario Vintners Quality Alliance Act, 1999
Ontario Wine Content and Labelling Act, 2000

REGULATORY ORGANIZATIONS: 

Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO)
Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO)
Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission (OFPMC)
Vintners Quality Alliance Ontario (VQAO)

INDUSTRY ORGANIZATIONS: 

Canadian Vintners Association
Wine Council of Ontario

APPLICATIONS AND LICENSES:

To process wine, juice or Icewine:

1. A Licence to Process Grapes is required in order to process grapes for the intent to sell.

Application for a Licence to Process Grapes

 2. A Manufacturer’s Liquor Licence is required to sell Ontario wines to the LCBO.

Application & Guide for a New or Transferred Manufacturer’s Liquor Licence
Personal History Report (this form has to be completed and sent with the Application for a Manufacturer's Licence)

3. An Application for an On-Site Winery Retail Store Authorization is needed for the retail sale of wine made by a manufacturer (at the site of production).

Winery Retail Store Information Guide  
Application for an On-Site Winery Retail Store Authorization
Municipal Information for a Retail Store Authorization (this form has to be completed and sent with the Application for an On-Site Winery Retail Store Authorization)
Sampling Guidelines for Liquor Manufacturers 

4. Membership in VQA Ontario and compliance with its rules and regulations is required to enable a winery to label wines with terms and descriptors regulated by the VQA Act and regulations.

VQA Membership Application Form

To press Icewine or late harvest grapes for juice (for the intent to sell):

1a. An Icewine or late harvest juice processing number is required from the Grape Growers of Ontario (GGO). It is mandatory for all estimate tonnage to be reported to the GGO via an electronic weigh bill.

Processing number form

1b. Icewine or late harvest juice needs to be registered with VQA.

VQA contact information