Industry News

Toronto, Ontario (February 20, 2025) – Ontario Craft Wineries (OCW) is thrilled that Doug Ford took another step forward today in stimulating Ontario’s wine sector by committing to the removal of interprovincial barriers to enable direct-to-consumer sales of alcohol with other provinces and territories. Added to other recent initiatives designed to advance our industry, including the expansion of private retailing opportunities, reduction of taxes and extension of support programs, the

In the province, to ensure that the wine is a 100% Ontario product, a VQA (Vintners Quality Alliance) symbol is added to the bottle’s label. It certifies the wine meets specific quality standards for grapes and winemaking. Michelle Wasylyshen, president and CEO of Ontario Craft Wineries, hopes the attack on Canadians continues to stay top of mind among consumers and, ideally, changes peoples habits. “This is a once in a

Michelle Wasylyshen, president and CEO of Ontario Craft Wineries, which represents 120 wineries across the province, said the situation would have created an opportunity to put more VQA Ontario wines in front of Canadian customers. “We’re excited for the opportunity to get more of our VQA Ontario wines onto store shelves, into bars and restaurants and ultimately into the hands of consumers,” she said. “There is an imbalance of trade

Michelle Wasylyshen, president and CEO of Ontario Craft Wineries, said with the ‘Buy Canadian’ sentiment growing, now was the time to make alcohol trade between provinces easier. “Anything that can be done to reduce barriers for VQA wines is long overdue. As a first step, we support consumers’ ability to order Canadian VQA wine directly to their homes — wherever the winery is and wherever they live in Canada,” she

Wine Growers Canada (WGC), the national association representing the Canadian wine industry, is proud to continue honouring industry leaders and champions through the 2023 Canadian Wine Industry Awards, which took place today in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Alongside Wine Growers Canada (WGC), Wine Growers Ontario (WGO) and Ontario Craft Wineries (OCW) announced the winner of the 2023 Ontario Wine Industry Champion Award. This year’s distinguished recipients are:Canadian Wine Industry Awards of Distinction –

Niagara, ON – In a first-time partnership, Ontario Craft Wineries, Tourism Partnership of Niagara and Wine Growers Ontario have come together to commission a Deloitte report that reveals the Ontario wine sector is well positioned to drive sustainable economic growth for the region, the province and the country.   Described as the Niagara Cluster, the region is made up of an extensive network or “cluster” of industries where intense economic

Vineland, Ontario – Ontario winemakers and grape growers see a future where their products will be the leading choice among wine consumers in this province, with more than three million tourists visiting Ontario’s wine regions each year to enjoy world class wines and hospitality. Ontario’s VQA Wine and Grape Industry’s newly released 2030 Vision anticipates substantial growth in this important sector of the provincial economy, fueling increases in investment, market

Ottawa, ON – Wine Growers Canada (WGC), Wine Growers British Columbia (WGBC), Wine Growers Ontario (WGO) and Ontario Craft Wineries (OCW) are proud to announce the recipients of the 2022 Canadian Wine Industry Awards, the 2022 Wine Growers British Columbia Industry Recognition Awards, and the Ontario Wine Industry Champion Award which were all presented during a virtual ceremony today. This year’s distinguished recipients are: Canadian Wine Industry Award of Distinction

NIAGARA, ON – Today the Government of Ontario committed to expanding funding for the VQA Support Program, extending the program through 2024/25, renewing the $10M COVID Recovery Fund for wine and cider and to continue working with our industry to ensure our long-term success.   “Our winery members are grateful to the Ontario government for today’s budget announcement”, said Carolyn Hurst, Chair of Ontario Craft Wineries. “Renewing the COVID Recovery

“Growing, Trusted, Connected”   Charts a Positive Roadmap for Ontario’s VQA Wineries and Ontario Consumers   VINELAND, ON – The Ontario Craft Wineries (OCW) unveiled its new strategic plan at its winery townhall meeting today, under the leadership of its President, staff and board of directors. Following a six-month strategic review of the OCW’s objectives and operations, the new strategic plan will ensure that Ontario continues to be recognized as