Ontario Supporting Grape Growers and Wineries in Niagara
June 17, 2025
Beamsville – The Ontario government is supporting grape growers and wineries by adding twenty-four new grape varieties to Vintners Quality Alliance certified wine. These new grapes were approved because of the high quality of wines they produce, their resistance to extreme temperatures and their lower dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
“Today’s news means more jobs and bigger paycheques in Ontario’s growing grape and wine sector,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West.
“Approving these new grape varieties means our local wineries and farm families can continue to innovate and adapt to changing growing conditions and bring new, distinctive wines to market. This is a win for our farmers, a win for sustainability, and a win for everyone who enjoys high-quality Ontario wine. Niagara’s wineries are already some of the best in the world and this announcement helps them stay ahead.”
“Ontario wineries are producing great-tasting, top-quality wines,” said Hon. Stephen Crawford, Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement.
“They are earning praise around the world and beating out wine-producing giants in international competitions. As we approach Buy Ontario, Buy Canadian Day, we are proud to support this thriving industry and remind everyone that world-class wine is being made right here at home.”
Vintners Quality Alliance certified wines are the seal of authenticity by the Ontario Wine Appellation Authority, the regulatory agency responsible for the integrity of Ontario wine appellations, enforcing wine composition and labelling standards and ensuring consumers have the information they need to make an informed choice. The Ontario Wine Appellation Authority tests and audits each wine and winery before they are allowed to use the Vintners Quality Alliance label.
“On behalf of Grape Growers of Ontario, we are delighted that the Ontario government has approved twenty-four additional grape varieties for Vintners Quality Alliance certified wine,” said Matthias Oppenlaender, Chair of Grape Growers of Ontario.
“This additional list of approved varieties provides growers across Ontario with more opportunities to be sustainable and to move more grapes into world class certified wines.”
“The Ontario government continues to listen and respond to the needs of Ontario’s grape and wine industry,” said Aaron Dobbin, President of Wine Growers Ontario.
“Today’s news is yet another example of this great partnership that is enabling investment and supports the over 22,000 jobs in Ontario that are dependent on our industry.”
“Expanding the list of grape varieties certified by the Vintners Quality Alliance is great news for Ontario’s grape growers and wineries,” said Hon. Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness.
“It opens new opportunities for growth at a time when the market is growing and modernizing and when supporting local agribusinesses has never been more important. Whether you are visiting a winery, dining out or shopping, choose a locally grown and globally acclaimed Ontario wine.”