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Toasting new sales at Ontario farmers’ markets

April 27, 2014  By Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food


April 27, 2014 – Ontario is making it easier for consumers to pair local
food with local wine by allowing Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) wines
to be sold at farmers’ markets starting May 1.

April 27, 2014 – Ontario is making it easier for consumers to pair local food with local wine by allowing Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) wines to be sold at farmers’ markets starting May 1.

The two-year pilot program is part of the Ontario government’s local food strategy to increase demand for the good things that are grown, made and harvested in the province.

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VQA wines are crafted entirely from Ontario-grown grapes and must adhere to rigorous winemaking standards.

The province is implementing this initiative through the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario to ensure that wine sales are conducted in a socially responsible manner.

According to an industry study, Ontario’s wine and grape industry contributed $3.3 billion to the province’s economy in 2011.

Ontario is the largest wine region in Canada and shares the same latitude as the Burgundy Region in France.

VQA wine sales in Ontario have increased by $100 million since 2008 – from $168 million in 2008 to $268 million in 2013.

There are approximately 200 farmers’ markets and 140 VQA wineries in Ontario.


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