FAQs | Need-to-Know Information I’ve never been to a winery. What should I expect? Our Wine Country ambassadors will be happy to see you! They love talking wine and are great resources on what to see, do and taste in the area. Each winery is unique and will vary in size and personality. Most wineries are comprised of a retail area to purchase wine and a tasting bar where you can book a tasting experience. Some will have onsite restaurants or patio and picnic areas to enjoy as well.
Is there a recommended way to age Ontario VQA wines? There are a number of determining factors when it comes to aging wine, such as the vintage and the varietal. If you’re at a winery, put the question to one of their staff. Otherwise, the following are a few guidelines to follow with respect to aging wines: • For fresh, unoaked white wines and rosé wines – up to one year
I am travelling to Wine Country. Should I call ahead to make an appointment? Many wineries require reservations for tastings. Every winery offers a unique experience – some offer drop-in tastings, while others offer structured tastings by appointment only. If you are travelling with a group larger than 6 people be sure to call ahead, particularly if you are visiting smaller wineries as space in the tasting room is sometimes limited.
• Oaked white wines – one to two years
I’m eager to go on a wine tour. How should I approach this?
VQA is a system that regulates wines of origin, ensuring the wine is made from 100% Ontario grapes and meets specific quality and labelling standards. It is Ontario’s version of appellation control that has existed in Europe’s great wine regions for over 60 years.
Most wineries offer tours of their vineyard and winery, typically for a nominal fee. Visitors will learn about the history of the winery, visit the vineyard, see how the wine is produced and taste some of the wines. To start, consult the winery listings to find out what times they offer these sessions and the types of tours that they host. Where can I eat in Wine Country? Many wineries have on-site restaurants and bistros. Casual patio fare is often available during the summer months. The regions also boast wonderful restaurants that offer locally sourced ingredients and local VQA wines. Or stop by a farmers’ market and pick up the makings for a picnic lunch – refer to the winery listings to see which wineries have picnic space. I’m interested in having wine shipped directly to my home – what’s the policy around this? Many wineries are happy to arrange shipping to your home if you live in Ontario for a small fee. Ask the retail associates at each winery or check out their online stores for details. If I’m travelling with wine, what’s the best way to keep it? If travelling by car, it is best to secure the wine in a cooler or box and out of direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. If travelling by plane, ensure the wine is well secured in strong shipping packaging to avoid breakage. Once a bottle is opened, how long will the wine last? On average, opened wine will be fine for up to three days. It’s important to properly seal your wine and store it in a cool, dark place. If it’s white, keep it in the refrigerator; if it’s red, you can store it at room temperature. Be sure to seal your sparkling with a special closure to keep its bubbles longer! I’m going to the United States. What are the rules for bringing wine across the border? When travelling from Canada to the U.S. each adult over the age of 21 is allowed one litre of wine. Any additional wine is subject to an IRS tax of 21 cents per additional litre regardless of the wine’s price. *Please verify with Customs for any updates or new policies.
• Ontario red wines – between two and five years • Ontario Icewine and fortified wine – between five and 10 years All varieties of wine (including Icewine) should be stored horizontally in a cool, dark and dry place. What is VQA Ontario?
VQA is all about place. Our wines reflect their inherent tie to special places in Ontario – Niagara Peninsula, Lake Erie North Shore, Prince Edward County – places where the soil, the slope, the sunshine, the warmth, the rainfall and the craftsmanship yield distinct grapes and exceptional wines. Find out what special place your wine comes from by looking for the region or sub-region name between the VQA letters on the label. What is vintage variation? Each unique growing season has an impact on the growth of the grape vine and the fruit it produces, and in turn the wine made from that harvest. Wine character can be a delicate thing and knowing about each vintage can help predict what the potential is for its wines. Seasonal conditions can also vary between appellations and even between micro-climates within a small appellation. But vintages are not always universally “bad” or “good”. While one variety might enjoy the scorching heat, others will thrive in cooler weather. And remember, grapes are just one part of the equation – the winemaker’s skills shine through in every wine and every vintage. Sustainable Winemaking Ontario Certified Sustainable Winemaking Ontario Certified is a certification program that ensures wineries adhere to environmentally sustainable practices. Certified wineries are identified by the green leaf logo beside their winery description in the Guide. To be certified, Ontario wineries must complete an in-depth survey that is verified annually by an independent auditor that tracks winemaking activities from soil to shelf. When consumers see the green leaf logo, they are guaranteed that the winery and their respective wines have travelled a sustainable path.
