Grape Growers of Ontario

November 29, 2007

Wines from Niagara and Prince Edward County Chosen as Official VQA Wines for the Legislative Assembly of Ontario

St. Catharines, ON: Following the Grape Growers of Ontario’s 29th Annual Wine Tasting event at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario on November 28, 2007, Debbie Zimmerman, CEO of the Grape Growers of Ontario, along with Bill George Jr., Chair of the Grape Growers of Ontario, are pleased to announce that two wines have been chosen as the official wines of the Legislature for 2007-2008.

CEO of the Grape Growers of Ontario, Debbie Zimmerman said, “The Grape Growers of Ontario was once again pleased to host the Annual Wines of the Legislature Wine Tasting event. Congratulations are extended to Black Prince Winery and Stoney Ridge Estate Winery.” Black Prince Winery of Picton, Ontario was chosen for its VQA 2006 Chardonnay, and Stoney Ridge Estate Winery of Vineland, Ontario for its VQA 2004 Founder’s Signature Collection Meritage. Bill George Jr., Chair of the Grape Growers of Ontario stated that “The two wines chosen reflect the synergy that occurs between Ontario quality grown grapes and the winemakers who craft Ontario VQA wines.”

Geoff Webb, General Manager of Black Prince Winery indicated that "Black Prince Winery is proud to be part of Ontario's newly Designated Viticultural Area of Prince Edward County. We are absolutely thrilled that Black Prince Winery's 2006 VQA Chardonnay was selected by MPPs from across the province to be the white wine for the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. This has been a stellar year for Black Prince wines which have also won awards in both National and International Wine Competitions.”

Lesley Muffett, VP - Liquor Board & Export Sales at Stoney Ridge Estate Winery said, “We are very honoured to have the Stoney Ridge Founder’s Meritage 2004 accepted as the official red wine for the Legislative Assembly for 2007. We feel the wine reflects our commitment to producing quality VQA wines.” The two favoured wines are VQA which indicate that the wines were produced from 100 per cent Ontario grown grapes to meet quality standards.

Members of Provincial Parliament gathered at the Legislative Dining Room to select the Legislative Assembly of Ontario’s official red and white VQA wine to be served at official legislative functions. Participants tasted and marked their preferences on a voting ballot to determine which wines would be selected from six VQA wineries.

The Grape Growers of Ontario is the official organization that represents over 600 registered grower members of nearly 15.7 million vines on 17,800 acres in the province’s four viticulture areas: Niagara Peninsula, Pelee Island, Lake Erie North Shore and Prince Edward County and is the official lobby organization for our members.

For more information, contact:

Debbie M. Zimmerman, C.E.O.

905 688-0990, ext. 225

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