Province of Ontario approves 24 new grape varieties for vintners

The province has added 24 new grape varieties that can be used in Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) certified wine.

The grapes were approved due to the high quality of wine they produce and because of their resistance to extreme temperatures and their lower need for the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness Trevor Jones say the move is great news for the province’s grape growers and wineries, saying “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.”

“Approving these new grape varieties means our local wineries and the farm families behind them can continue to innovate, adapt to changing growing conditions, and bring new, distinctive wines to market. It’s a win for our farmers, a win for sustainability, and a win for everyone who enjoys high-quality Ontario wine,” says Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West.

VQA certified wines are the seal of authenticity by the Ontario Wine Appellation Authority (OWAA), 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.

In 2024, more than $433.6 million in VQA wines were sold worldwide.

The full list of the grapes approved for VQA certification, including the new additions, can be found on the Ontario Wine Appellation Authority website.

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