In The News

Importance of Appellation and Truth in Labelling

In 2002, local wineries and grape growers took the initiative to try to protect the local terms of origin by seeking trademark protection for Prince Edward County and the names of local townships.  This was an interim step as true appellation protection could only be provided through the VQA legislation.

The creation of a new viticultural area has provided label integrity for Prince Edward County wines and reflects well on all Ontario wines. Wine consumers expect that Ontario wines will be labelled to a specified standard and should be given equal protection for all terms of origin.  As well, regulated terms provide local industry with a level playing field and protection from products that may misrepresent and undermine the reputation of local products.  In the very local tourism based market of the County, claims of origin are an important marketing tool.  VQA Ontario is responsible for regulating appellations throughout Ontario and including Prince Edward County is one step towards maintaining label integrity across the province. 

Riding the Waves of Change...

In 1999, a group of Prince Edward County grape growers petitioned Provincial Government for ability to open new wineries outside of Designated Viticulture areas. As a result, Waupoos Estates Winery was first winery to open in 2000.

In 2000 PECWA gained status as a Not for Profit Organization and began developing their bylaws and constitution

In 2001 PECWA members applied for, and gained, funding for a scientific Rootstock Trial with OMAFRA and University of Guelph professor Dr. Helen Fisher. Temperature data loggers were purchased by growers and placed in vineyards throughout Prince Edward County to collect climatic data for region.

2002  - Robert Ketchin was contracted through a Canadapt grant to develop a marketing strategy and branding for Prince Edward County wine industry. Strategy was delivered and initial phases of strategy were executed such as website, branding region through logo and tradeshow booth development.

2002 - First PECWA member named as adhoc representative to GGO. 

2003 - GGO changed the structure of their districts to allow a committeeman designate for Prince Edward County East Wine Region

2004 - PECWA representative named to represent wine industry on working committee for Premiere Ranked Destination survey

2005 - PECWA representative named to represent wine industry on Tourism Destination Association

As of December 2007 GGO reported 757 tonnes of grapes as harvested in the County, up from 476 in 2006 Tonnages steadily increased over a four year period in spite of the three consecutive tough winters and in contrast to the substantial decline in product from Niagara vineyards.

In 2007 -  68,130 cases of locally grown wine were produced, equating a total of approximately 817,500 bottles of locally grown wine, an increase over 2006 of about 303, 420 bottles or approximately 58%.

Expansion of vineyard plantings in 2006-07 in addition to any replants, were occasioned by winter's damage. Several existing wineries increased their plantings, as did several growers. A small group of new growers are undertaking their initial plantings this year.

As a result well over 700 acres of vines are planted in PEC, totalling in excess of 800,000 plants. Prior to 2000 there were only 30,000 vines planted in Prince Edward County.

In terms of varieties planted, there is a broad range of both vinifera and hybrid in the ground. In vinifera, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Gamay and Riesling are planted in significant numbers with smaller amounts of Zweigelt, Gewürztraminer, Chenin Blanc, Muscat, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Merlot in the mix.  Among hybrids, baco noir, vidal and geisenheim are among the popular choices, with new Minnesota cold tolerant varietals appearing on the landscape.

Refined viticultural practices have improved the condition of harvested grapes and have enhanced the survivability of fruiting buds during winter, as well as enabled growers to undertake longer-term strategies in vineyard management.  Continuous innovations in vineyard management techniques will have led to economies in labour and higher percentage survival rates.