Supporting Ontario’s Wine And Grape Industry
McGuinty Government Strengthens VQA Wines
Ontario is investing in the success and long-term sustainability of its Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) wines.
The province is supporting VQA wines and Ontario grape growers through the following initiatives:
- Starting this year, the successful VQA Wine Support Program will be renewed with an investment of $6 million per year over five years
- Marketing and tourism activities in the wine regions of the province will be supported by an investment of $3 million per year over five years – an increase of $1 million per year from the previous years
- Starting in 2011, Ontario will provide $3 million over four years to help grape growers transition to a long-term focus on VQA wines.
These investments are part of the government’s broader, long-term plan for Ontario’s wine and grape industry. The plan, announced last October, builds on the success and competitiveness of Ontario’s wine and grape industry.
These investments also support the province’s new five year Open Ontario plan to create new opportunities for jobs and growth.
QUICK FACTS
- VQA wines are made from 100 per cent Ontario-grown grapes. Grapes used to make VQA wines must meet stringent quality standards for each grape variety.
- Ontario’s VQA wine sales have increased from $75 million in 1999 to $173 million in 2009.
- Between 1999 and 2009, the number of grape wineries in Ontario increased from 50 to 146.
