The official organization that represents over 500 grape growers of 17,000 acres of vineyards in 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.
Without grapes, there would be no wine. Without passionate and skilled growers, there would be no grapes. Next time you sip a crisp local Chardonnay, savour the rich flavours of a Cabernet Franc or indulge in Canada’s world-renowned Icewine, say merci! Behind every glass of fine regional wine is a team of 500 avid grape enthusiasts who meticulously cultivate more than 17,000 acres of vineyards across the province, primarily in the grape-growing regions of Niagara, Prince Edward County and Lake Erie North Shore. Thanks to their expertise and hands-on labour, from rich soil springs luscious, fruit-laden vines.
Growers
Behind every story are families, the grapes they grow, and the land they cultivate.
Our local grape growers pursue the fruits of their labour in an entirely literal fashion. This band of grape-growing brothers and sisters cultivate an astounding 40 varieties of grapes, the bulk of which are sent to Ontario’s 178 wineries. The Niagara, Prince Edward County and Lake Erie North Shore regions account for more than 70 percent of Canada’s wine production volume. Local growers have proven the skeptics wrong. Viticulture is thriving in our province, thanks to these stewards of the land who coax bumper crops of premium vinifera and French hybrid grapes year after year. The economic boost to the area keeps climbing. Our Ontario grape growers continue to invest (to the tune of $684 million plus) in expanding their vineyards to meet rising local demand for premium winemaking grapes.
To learn more about our farming families visit http://localgrapes.ca/meet-our-growers/
Ice Wine
Ontario is fortunate to have a unique climate that allows us to consistently produce Icewine every year. As the season cools and winter approaches, grape growers prepare by placing protective nets over the grapes. Once temperatures reach a sustained level of –8° Celsius, the grapes are naturally frozen on the vine. The dehydrated, icy grapes are then harvested and pressed while still frozen, producing juice of 35° to 39º Brix!
Watch this video to see how Ontario growers work tirelessly to harvest and process our world-famous Icewine https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxnGYAWVHPQ
Visit www.localgrapes.ca to learn more about our growers, wine and food pairings and fun things do to in Ontario wine country!
Be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram @grapegrowersont as well as on Facebook!
If you have any questions please email us at info@grapegrowersofontairo.com
To download a print-ready file of our Mandarin brochure please visit: http://www.grapegrowersofontario.com/sites/default/files/FINAL%20GGO2965_Chinese_8P_V4_0.pdf