Ontario Approves 24 New Grape Varieties for VQA Wines

The Province of Ontario has approved 24 new grape varieties for use in wines certified by the Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA), the regulatory system that ensures the authenticity and quality of Ontario wines.

The new varieties were selected for their high winemaking potential, greater resistance to extreme temperatures, and reduced need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides—a move aimed at supporting more sustainable viticulture.

“This is great news for our grape growers and winemakers,” said Trevor Jones, Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “It opens up new opportunities for growth in a market that is both evolving and expanding, at a time when supporting local agribusiness has never been more important.”

Sam Oosterhoff, Member of Provincial Parliament for Niagara West, also welcomed the decision: “Approving these new grape varieties allows Ontario wineries to innovate, adapt to changing climate conditions, and bring distinctive, high-quality wines to consumers. It’s a win for our farmers, a win for sustainability, and a win for wine lovers.”

VQA-certified wines carry the official mark of the Ontario Wine Appellation Authority (OWAA), which oversees the integrity of the province’s wine appellations. The OWAA enforces standards for wine composition and labeling to ensure that consumers can make informed choices.

In 2024, global sales of VQA wines surpassed CAD $433.6 million.

Photo Credit: Freepik

Source: CHCH