Comments on: Where’s the Local Wine?

By: Ryan

Ryan — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 02:47:01 +0000

I agree with previous posters that Cellared in Canada wines are the scourge of our local industry and serve only to bring down the reputation of "Ontario" wines all the while padding the wallets of the wineries that sell such plonk with hefty profits.

But I take issue with Dean's suggestion that you must wade through oceans of "marginal" VQA wines before you hit a winner. I would argue that the ratio of marginal to good wines from VQA appellations is about the same as that from other regions.

I think one thing that has hampered commercial success to some extent is the fact that consumers tend to have misguided expectations in terms of style when it comes to local wines. Our strengths are in leaner, more elegant styles rather than the blockbuster, high alcohol, jammy wines that are so popular with many wine drinkers.

People need to realize that cool climate wines are not going to taste the same as those from warmer climates... that doesn't make them inferior, just different, as they should be!

By: Sara

Sara — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 22:05:23 +0000

very informative article...I was one of those consumers who would shoot right past the local wines in the LCBO. The general impression floating around is that you have to pay too much to get a decent Ontario wine and so I never bothered to give them a chance. After reading this article I will be sure to give VQA wines a chance.

By: James

James — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 03:30:00 +0000

What's needed is to pressure the LCBO is first off remove the 'Cellared in Canada' designation in favour of 'International Blends', something that clearly makes it NOT the 'local' product in consumers minds. The second thing is to change the placement of these wines in the LCBO shifting the 'Blends' to the rear of stores where they will invariably sell less, and more room can be made for VQA on our shelves. It would actually also help if the LCBO showcased BC VQA wines better, they barely cover them, and there is an incredible selection available that would help build the VQA brand in Ontario.

By: Dean Tudor

Dean Tudor — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 20:54:21 +0000

Maybe that should be "hear, hear" ???

By: Dean Tudor

Dean Tudor — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 20:52:19 +0000

Here, here...none of this Cellared in Canada stuff. Good article on need for local wines, thank you.

"VQA all the way" is the cheer of the day.

The problem is mainly one of picking through a lot of marginal VQA wines. Start by tasting those wines that win medals at Ontario Wine Awards, Canadian Wine Awards, and All-Canadian Wine Awards.

There is bound to be something on those medal winning lists that would appeal to different tastes.