Industry Overview

• Ontario is the country’s leading grape producer, accounting for about 85% of all Canadian production.
• The Niagara Peninsula accounts for over 90% of Ontario's grape-growing volume.
• Grapes are the highest-ranked Ontario agricultural commodity, and represent 35% of the farm value of Ontario commercial fruit.
• The total farm gate value of Ontario grapes exceeded $88.6 million in 2012.
• In 2012, there are 17,000 acres of vineyards in Ontario.
• In 2012, winemaking was the dominant use for Ontario grapes. Over 97% of production was used for wine products and under 3% for juice, jams and other grape products.

Economic Impact

• The wine industry generates $658 million in retail sales in Ontario (2012);
• The grape and wine sector generates more than 14,000 jobs in Ontario;
• $602 million in tax revenue and mark ups;
• $3.3 billion total economic impact in Ontario;
• The industry contributes $10,000 to the economy for every tonne of grapes grown and sold, compared to $700 for every tonne of oil produced from the oilsands;
• As a tourism destination, Niagara attracts nearly 20 million visitors annually;  1.6 million people visit the province’s wineries each year.
• Grape production enhances the environmental beauty of the province and preserves our rich agricultural heritage. This is priceless.