So just what is Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA)? “VQA Ontario is Ontario’s Wine Authority, a regulatory agency responsible for maintaining the integrity of local wine appellations and enforcing winemaking and labelling standards.” VQA is about the diverse places where wines originate in Ontario, and the quality of production from vine to glass: quality wines of origin.
Did you know that Ontario is the leading grape producer in Canada with approximately 2/3 of the country’s production? Last year the Wine Country of Ontario produced 21.9 million litres of wine (2.4 million cases). Also in 2013 the Ontario government renewed their Wine and Grape Strategy which includes a two-year pilot program: VQA Wine Sales at Farmers’ Markets. Authorized wineries began sampling and selling VQA wine on May 1st at many markets in the province. Markets in the Halton region currently include:
The Burlington Lions Club’s Burlington Mall Farmers’ Market - Sundays, Wednesdays, Fridays
Centro Farmer’s Market - Sundays
Grimsby Farmers' Market - Leaning Post WinesGrimsby Farmers' Market - Leaning Post Wines
Aside from VQA wine now being available for sampling at some Farmers’ Markets in Ontario, the LCBO in the Olde Oakville Marketplace located at 321 Cornwall Road has a wine tasting bar which sells samples of premium wines so you can try before you buy. The store is doing “Sneak Peek - Vintages Pre-Release Tastings” for $5.00 on Thursdays July 3, 17 & 31, August 14 & 28. They also have a “Demo Island” offering these experiences this month:
Friday, July 4, 2014, 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. - Tini Sangiovese di Romagna DOC & Tavernello Collezione Sauvignon Friuli Grave
Friday, July 11, 2014, 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. - Boundary Ale & Moosehead Lager
It was fantastic to sample VQA wines at the Grimsby Farmers' Market last month from 13th Street Winery and Leaning Post. What wine and drink experiences have you had lately?