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Grape
Growers of Ontario is the official organization that represents
over 600 grape growers in eastern, southern and southwestern Ontario,
Canada who produce grapes for processing.
Grape Growers
of Ontario provides a variety of benefits and services to
our members. We serve as the voice of our membership and an
information resource for our growers, the general public,
media, and our winery partners on viticulture and the relevant
grape and wine issues affecting our industry.
Grape
Growers of Ontario negotiates prices for all grapes sold to
processors. While growers contract their grape sales directly
with processors, prices must be no less than the minimum set
through negotiations with the Wine Council of Ontario (which
represents many of the province’s wineries) and with
juice processors.
About
90% of our grape production goes into commercial winemaking,
and about 10% is used by manufacturers for juice, jams and
other grape products. Our members also supply grapes to the
home winemaking market.
We are
located in one of the most northerly grape-growing regions
in the world, and are the furthest inland of any grape-producing
area. Because of our location, we are classified as a "cool
climate viticulture region." However, the
proximity of the Great Lakes (specifically Lake Ontario and
Lake Erie) and their moderating influence allow us to grow
high-quality grapes this far north and this far inland. We
experience relatively mild winters (although our annual deep
freeze in late December or early January gives us the opportunity
to produce our world-reknowed Icewine) and hot summers, giving
our growers excellent vintages.
Our designated
Viticulture Areas (VAs) are located in four main
regions – Niagara
Peninsula, Lake
Erie North Shore, Pelee Island and Prince Edward County.
In Ontario,
there are 15,000 acres planted in vineyards. Our focus
is on Vitis
vinifera grapes. We produce excellent Cabernet
Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Gamay, Gewürztraminer,
Merlot, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc
and Shiraz grape varieties. Ontario is the number one producer
in Canada of premium wine, and the world leader in Icewine
production.
Great wines can only be made from high quality
grapes, and Ontario wines consistently win prestigious international
awards. This is a testament to the dedication, hard work and
vision of Ontario Grape Growers.
Click here to view the Grape Growers of Ontario fact sheet. |
