Sustainable Winegrowing Ontario Certified

Wineries and vineyards committed to sustainability have taken their practice to the next level and are Sustainable Winegrowing Ontario (SWO) Certified. Wineries that produce Sustainable Winegrowing Ontario Certified wines are identified by the green leaf icon in the Wine Country Ontario Travel Guide. You will also find the green leaf icon on the back label of their certified sustainable wines.

Environment

Wineries that produce SWO Certified wines are audited annually on use and conservation of water, reduction in waste and wastewater and implementation of energy efficiency programs, including the use of sustainable power sources. They are also committed to preserving local vineyards for generations to come and being good stewards in land conservation.

Economy

SWO Certified wines are always VQA, meaning they are locally crafted from 100% Ontario-grown grapes. These wines play an integral role in Ontario’s overall economic health by helping to preserve local economies and drive growth for tourism.

Community

Wineries that produce SWO Certified wines need to be good neighbours and promote social responsibility and diversity in the workplace. They also give back to their communities and show a commitment to producing authentic regional wines that are a cornerstone of local food cultures.

Wineries that produce Sustainable Winegrowing Ontario Certified wines :

13th Street Winery

Cave Spring Vineyard

Château des Charmes

Drea’s Wine Co.

Ferox by Fabian Reis

Flat Rock Cellars

Henry of Pelham Family Estate

Hidden Bench Estate Winery

Icellars Estate Winery

Leaning Post

Malivoire Wine Company

Niagara College Teaching Winery

Oxley Estate Winery

Pelee Island Winery

Pelee Island Winery Pavilion

Peller Estates Winery

Reif Estate Winery

Riverview Cellars Estate Winery

Southbrook Vineyards

Stratus Wines

Strewn Winery

Thirty Bench Wine Makers

Trius Winery

Vineland Estates Winery

Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery

Wine Tasting 101

One of the best parts of visiting Wine Country is the tasting experience. Every winery is unique but here are a few guidelines to get the most of any tasting experience. And remember there are no “wrong” answers – tasting is subjective and a lot of fun!

Wine Aromas: Fruity, Floral, Herbal, Spicy, Mineral, Sweet Tannin: The astringency or “chewiness” of the wine that comes from grape skins and/or oak barrels.

Sweetness and Acidity: Natural to the grapes – acidity gives freshness and balances any sweetness.

Be sure to book your reservation prior to visiting the winery

Hold your glass up to the light and note the colour of the wine, for hints about the grape variety, age or vintage.

Gently swirl the wine to release the aromas, and see how it coats the glass. Stick your nose in the glass and take it all in. Think about the aromas you smell – from berries, to spice, to mineral notes.

Let the wine contact every part of your tongue to maximize the experience. Is it sweet or dry? Light or full-bodied? What flavours can you identify?

(or spit) – Take a few moments to reflect and enjoy. How does the wine “finish” – is it easily approachable or more complex? Remember that spitting isn’t considered rude, and most wineries have spittoons for this purpose.

Trending

The world of winemaking is ever-changing and evolving. Here are a few terms you may have seen or heard but may not know what they mean. Have a question about a wine or wine style?

Don’t be shy – ask one of our Wine Country Ontario VQA Ambassadors.

Organic

• Certified Organic uses 100% of grapes grown without chemical pesticides, herbicides or synthetic fertilizers

• Compost, compost teas, green manure and cover crops are often used as fertilizer

Biodynamic

• Generally certified through Demeter Farm Standard

• The guiding principle is that the farm is a living organism

• Self-contained, self-sustaining, following the cycles of nature

Vegan

• Uses only vegetable-based alternatives (no animal products) for winemaking processes

• Most wines are vegan-friendly but check with the winery

• Several Ontario wineries are VegeCert certified

Gluten-Free

• Most wines are gluten free, but check with the winery to confirm

• Gluten can be used in the fining process, but this is rare

Natural Wines

• “Natural” has no legally defined meaning or official certification or government regulations

• Applies to wines made with the loose concept of “nothing added, nothing taken away”