Supporting Ontario VQA Wineries Since 1974

Who We Are

Our mission is to champion and advocate for the growth and success of
Ontario VQA wine producers.

As a non-profit trade association, Ontario Craft Wineries represents over 100 wineries from across the three designated viticultural areas of Niagara, Prince Edward County, and Lake Erie North Shore – including Pelee Island, as well as emerging wine-producing regions such as Ontario’s South Coast and Georgian Bay/Grey County.

Our Strategic Priorities

Advocate

Promote

Collaborate

Join our community of VQA Wineries in Ontario

Our Membership Fees for winery members are based on annual production, tonnage, and percentage of sales/gallons sold. Membership benefits include invitations to participate in meetings, communications on relevant industry information, discounts on events, support on industry or government matters, access to industry education through seminars and webinars, legal guidance, and shipping discounts.

OCW Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is responsible for the development and oversight of the strategic direction and responsible management of the Ontario Craft Wineries through its own work and that of its committees.

Board members are expected to attend as representatives of the OCW at important functions throughout the year, including government meetings and receptions, stakeholder meetings and major industry events.

Chair: Carolyn Hurst, Westcott Vineyards

Vice-Chair: Norm Beal, Peninsula Ridge Winery

Dan Sullivan, Rosehall Run Vineyards

Allan Schmidt, Vineland Estates Winery

Paul Speck, Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery

Daniel Lafleur, Tawse Winery

Harald Thiel, Hidden Bench Estate Winery

Ed Madronich, Flat Rock Cellars

Ilya Senchuk, Leaning Post Wines

Steve Mitchell, Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery

Suzanne Janke, Stratus Vineyards

Faik Turkmen, Lailey Winery

Len Pennachetti, Cave Spring Vineyard

Erin MacInnis, Closson Chase Vineyards

OCW Committees & Appointments

In addition to the Board of Directors, our members actively participate in a variety of boards and committees to support the health of the Ontario VQA wine industry, including:

  • Executive Committee
  • Wine Marketing Association of Ontario Board
  • VQA Marketing Committee – Wine Marketing Association of Ontario
  • Sustainable Winegrowing Ontario Committee
  • Ontario Craft Wine Conference Committee
  • Audit Committee
  • Nominating Committee
  • Ontario Grape and Wine Research Inc
  • Grapes for Processing Industry Advisory Committee
  • Negotiating Agency
  • Niagara Grape and Wine Festival
  • CCOVI Advisory Council

Our History

OCW Stock6

Since 1974, our association has shaped the wine industry in Ontario.

Collaborating with industry partners to help you thrive.

Our association with these critical partners ensures your interests are protected.
We guide policy and shape the future of Ontario’s wine regions, keeping the interests of Ontario VQA wineries at the forefront of our efforts.

Our vision is to ensure that Ontario is recognized as one of the world’s premiere wine regions. We provide a leading voice for over 100 small and medium-sized VQA winery members across Ontario.

Appellation authority

The trusted independent authority on Ontario wine appellations – accountable to the Minister of Government and Consumer Services – it exercises delegated authority to administer and enforce the VQA Act.

Wine Marketing

Ontario’s Wine Industry Marketing Program is administered and executed by the Wine Marketing Association of Ontario and is critical to our winery members. As an equal (50%) partner in WMAO, the OCW represents our members’ interest in program planning and delivery.

Grape Production

Representing over 500 grape growers of 17,000 acres of vineyards in Ontario who produce grapes for processing, GGO provides information for growers, the general public, media, and winery partners, as well as negotiates prices for all grapes sold to processors.