The
grape and wine sector generates approximately 5,600 jobs
in Ontario.
It
generates more than $100 million in direct wages and salaries.
In 2007, the total number of grape vines in Ontario exceeded 17 million.
The wine industry generated in 2006 over $245 million in tax revenues for the province.
The
total farm gate value of Ontario grapes exceeded $74 million
in 2007.
The
wine industry generates $500 million in retail sales in
Ontario (2006).
Grape
production enhances the environmental beauty of the province
and preserves our rich agricultural heritage. This is priceless.
As
a tourism destination, Niagara attracts nearly 20 million
visitors annually; over 1 million people visit the province’s
wineries each year.
Grapes
are the highest-ranked Ontario agricultural commodity,
and represent 35% of the farm value of Ontario commercial
fruit.
Ontario
is the country’s leading grape producer, accounting
for about 80% of all Canadian production.
The Niagara Peninsula accounts for over 90% of Ontario's grape-growing volume.
In 2007, winemaking
was the dominant use for Ontario grapes. Over 90% of production
was used for wine products and about 10% for juice, jams and other
grape products.
