Proposal
Proposed amendment to wine standards rules contained in regulation (Ontario Regulation 406/00) under the Vintners Quality Alliance Act, 1999.
Regulation Number(s):
Ontario Regulation 406/00
Instrument Type:
Proposal
Bill or Act:
Vintners Quality Alliance Act, 1999
Summary of Proposal:
The Ontario Wine Appellation Authority (OWAA), also known as Vintners Quality Alliance Ontario, is designated as the administrative authority responsible for the administration of the Vintners Quality Alliance Act, 1999 (the "Act") and its regulations. Under the Act, the OWAA has authority to make wine standard rules which are contained in Ontario Regulation 406/00.
Ontario Regulation 406/00 under the Act sets out, among other things, a list of grape varieties authorized for the production of Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) wines, including the primary name of the variety and authorized synonyms, if any.
Zweigelt is currently on the list of permitted grape varieties with the approved synonym "Zweigeltrebe". In early 2023, after receiving a request from the wine industry to permit the additional synonym "Rotburger" for Zweigelt, the OWAA launched stakeholder consultations to seek feedback from its membership and key industry associations. Positive support for the proposed change was received. The request to permit the additional synonym was also approved by the OWAA's Board of Directors in light of accepted practices in other jurisdictions. The Austrian Wine Marketing Board which governs wine production in Austria where Zweigelt is widely planted, recognizes the synonym "Rotburger", as does the European Union.
Ontario Regulation 406/00 under the Act sets out, among other things, a list of grape varieties authorized for the production of Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) wines, including the primary name of the variety and authorized synonyms, if any.
Zweigelt is currently on the list of permitted grape varieties with the approved synonym "Zweigeltrebe". In early 2023, after receiving a request from the wine industry to permit the additional synonym "Rotburger" for Zweigelt, the OWAA launched stakeholder consultations to seek feedback from its membership and key industry associations. Positive support for the proposed change was received. The request to permit the additional synonym was also approved by the OWAA's Board of Directors in light of accepted practices in other jurisdictions. The Austrian Wine Marketing Board which governs wine production in Austria where Zweigelt is widely planted, recognizes the synonym "Rotburger", as does the European Union.
Analysis of Regulatory Impact:
There are no new or increased administrative or compliance costs to regulated entities associated with this proposal.
The change will provide VQA wineries with the flexibility to use the synonym "Rotburger" for the Zweigelt grape variety. VQA wineries would continue to have the option of using the existing authorized synonym, "Zweigeltrebe".
The change will provide VQA wineries with the flexibility to use the synonym "Rotburger" for the Zweigelt grape variety. VQA wineries would continue to have the option of using the existing authorized synonym, "Zweigeltrebe".
Further Information:
Proposal Number:
23-MPBSD008
Posting Date:
May 18, 2023
Comments Due Date:
June 19, 2023
Contact Address:
Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery
Public Safety and Operations Policy Branch
56 Wellesley St. W. 6th Floor,
Toronto, ON, M7A 1C1
Public Safety and Operations Policy Branch
56 Wellesley St. W. 6th Floor,
Toronto, ON, M7A 1C1