On CTV News, Leanne and I chat about how Ontario wineries were particularly hard hit by Covid-19, what they’re doing to pivot and how you can help support these local businesses:
– Tasting rooms are closed as are major clients, restaurants in general
– Most wineries didn’t have wines in the LCBO to begin with because they don’t produce enough wine to fill that channel
– The majority of the 180 wineries have fewer than 20 employees
– Many are turning to direct shipping
You can get free shipping and other deals here:
When you buy a bottle of Ontario VQA wine, you’re investing in the province:
– Ontario’s three wine regions contribute 18,000 jobs to Ontario with a total economic benefit of more than $4 billion per year
– Every bottle of VQA wine sold generates $98.20 in economic benefit for the province versus about $16 for a foreign wine
– In Canada, the wine industry contributes 37,000 jobs and $9 billion to the economy
– Winery tourism generates $850 million per year for Ontario
Legislation is changing:
– As of July 1, Canada Day, Ontario wine lovers can buy Canadian wines from other provinces and have them shipped directly to them at home without needing to go through the LCBO, according to Dan Paszkowski, president and CEO of the Canadian Vintners Association
– In April 2019, the federal government eliminated its inter-provincial liquor restrictions, and then let the provinces decide how that would happen
– Many smaller wineries in British Columbia and Nova Scotia have been shipping directly to Ontario since the change in federal laws
Here are the wines we discussed:
Trius Brut Sparkling
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada
Trius Rosé
Ontario V.Q.A., Canada
Small Talk Vineyards RSVP Pinot Gris
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada
Small Talk Vineyards Big Ideas Classical Cabernet Franc
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada
Reif Estate Winery Riesling
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada
Reif Estate Winery Cabernet Merlot
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada
Konzelmann Estate Winery Pinot Blanc
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada
Konzelmann Estate Winery Peach Wine
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada
Creekside Sauvignon Blanc
Niagara Escarpment, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada
Creekside Laura’s Red
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada
Niagara College Teaching Winery Dean’s List President’s Red
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada
Niagara College Teaching Winery Tom Thomson Algonquin Red
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Peninsula V.Q.A., Canada
Peller Estates Signature Series Ice Cuvée Rosé Sparkling
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada
Peller Estates Private Reserve Sauvignon Blanc
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada
Posted with permission of CTV.
