Proposal

Proposal to add grape varieties to the list of authorized grape varieties in 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 (O. Reg.) 406/00.

If approved, this proposal would add 24 grape varieties as well as add one synonym to the list of authorized grape varieties to Appendix B of O. Reg. 406/00.

Subject to approval, the following proposed changes would be made to Appendix B of O. Reg. 406/00:

Addition of the following vitis vinifera grapes are proposed to be added:
o Alicante Bouschet
o Barbera
o Dolcetto
o Moscato Giallo (Gold Muscat)
o Muscat D'Alsace
o Petite Arvine (Arvina)
o Roussanne
o Saperavi

Addition of Tocai Friulano as a synonym for Sauvignon Vert (which is already an authorized grape variety).

Addition of the following hybrid grape varieties that may be used to produce provincially designated varietal wines:
o Cabernet Foch
o Cabernet Jura
o Cabernet Volos
o Merlot Kanthus
o Sauvignon Rytos
o Soreli
o Bianca
o Crimson Pearl
o Itasca
o L'Acadie Blanc
o Lucie Kuhlman
o Muscat Osceolo (Osceola Musca)
o Petite Pearl
o Regent
o Rondo
o Traminette

This proposal would also amend the table of requirements in Appendix A under O. Reg. 406/00. The minimum brix level (i.e., sugar content) for other vitis vinifera varieties would be set at 17.0 º Brix (for the Ontario Provincial Designation) and 18.0 º Brix (for the Viticultural Area, Estate Bottled, Vineyard Designation). For other hybrid varieties, the Ontario Provincial Designation Minimum Average Brix would be set at 18.0 º Brix.
Analysis of Regulatory Impact:
There are no new or increased administrative or compliance costs to regulated entities associated with this proposal.

The proposed changes to add to the list of permitted grape varieties would expand access to the VQA system for wineries growing cold hardy and sustainable grape varieties and would also provide opportunities for wineries to develop new products.
Further Information:
Proposal Number:
24-MPBSD024
Posting Date:
November 25, 2024
Comments Due Date:
January 9, 2025
Contact Address:
Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement
Public Safety and Operations Policy Branch
56 Wellesley St. W. 6th Floor, Toronto, ON M7A 1C1