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Escarpment Magazine Summer 2013
Even though
Collingwood's hard-drinking days are long past, the area still retains the memory of
its former self in its local wine and beer producers. Found throughout the Georgian Triangle is a variety
of boutique wineries and craft breweries, each with their own distinct flavour and appeal. Some have
strong ties to the community while others are in the process of building their brand. Together these culinary
attractions offer locals and visitors a taste of the region's history and potential.
Canada is home to a large number of wineries, but the Canadian wine landscape largely comprises two
main regions, British Columbia and Ontario. Within Ontario, the Vintner's Quality Alliance (VQA) officially
recognizes three designated viticulture areas (DVA): Lake Erie North Shore; Prince Edward County; and the
Niagara Peninsula. Recently, Grey County was added to the VQA's list of emerging regions, but it will take
some time before this part of Ontario receives its own appellation. Appellations of origin are beneficial
for wine marketing and tourism but a critical mass of wine production must be achieved before a
region can get the DVA designation.
“If there's a ten-step process, we're probably at step three or four,” says Richard Ketchin, a
partner at Georgian Hills Vineyards. “Prince Edward County is at step eight.” Grey County
is still years away from achieving the 150 acres or 300 tons of grapes needed to become a
DVA, but its recognition as an emerging region is an important step toward becoming an
appellation. With recognition comes expansion and growth, as more vineyards are planted
and more wineries established. Already there are a handful of vineyards in the area that
will develop into commercial wineries in the next few years.
The LCBO, too, has a role to play in promoting
local industry. Georgian Hills is now available in
their stores in Bruce, Grey, and Simcoe counties,
and Coffin Ridge Boutique Winery is proud to
provide the LCBOwith its first marquette.
'
l t t t r or four,” says Robert
BY C. RACHEL KATZ
Developing our local
craf t beer and wine industry
Impeccable
Taste...
