Grape Growers of Ontario

November 6, 2009

Wines from Niagara-on-the-Lake Chosen as Official VQA Wines for the Legislative Assembly of Ontario

St. Catharines, ON (Friday, November 6, 2009): Following the Grape Growers of Ontario’s Annual Wine Tasting event at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario on November 3, 2009, Bill George Jr., Chair of the Grape Growers of Ontario, along with Debbie Zimmerman, CEO of the Grape Growers of Ontario, are pleased to announce that two wines from Niagara-on-the-Lake have been chosen as the official wines of the Legislature for 2010.

Bill George Jr., Chair of the Grape Growers of Ontario extends his congratulations to Marynissen Estates Winery and Joseph’s Estate Wines and states that “the Grape Growers of Ontario was once again pleased to host the Annual Wines of the Legislature Wine Tasting event.” Marynissen Estates Winery of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario was chosen for its 2007 VQA Cabernet Merlot and Joseph’s Estate Wines of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario for its 2008 VQA Pinot Grigio. “The two wines chosen reflect the connection between Ontario grown grapes and the winemakers who craft Ontario VQA wines,” say Debbie Zimmerman.

Sandra Marynissen, owner of Marynissen Estates Winery indicates that "we are honoured to have our 2007 VQA Cabernet Merlot served as the official red wine of the Ontario Legislature for 2010. Exceptional wines come from exceptional grapes and this is a testament to our hard work. I would like to thank the members of the Ontario Legislature for choosing our wine.”

Dr. Joseph Pohorly, President of Joseph’s Estate Wines states that, “We are thrilled to have our 2008 Pinot Grigio selected for the Ontario Legislature for 2010.” Dr. Pohorly is a pioneer in the Niagara grape growing industry and goes on to say that “the soil in Niagara is ideally suited for growing Pinot Grigio, which is becoming one of the most popular varieties of white wine.”

Members of Provincial Parliament gathered 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 Ontario VQA wineries.

The Grape Growers of Ontario is the official organization that represents over 484 actively producing grape growers of 15,000 acres in the province’s four viticulture areas: Niagara Peninsula, Pelee Island, Lake Erie North Shore and Prince Edward County.

For more information contact:

Debbie M. Zimmerman, CEO

(905) 688-0990 ext. 225

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