Media Release
For Immediate Release
October 21, 2025 (Niagara, ON) – Ontario VQA winemakers are making their mark globally. In 2025, they earned over 500 medals at some of the world’s most respected competitions, including Decanter World Wine Awards, International Wine Challenge, Chardonnay du Monde, International Wine & Spirit Competition and the National Wine Awards of Canada.
These results are a powerful endorsement of the talent, character and craftsmanship behind Ontario VQA wines. Each medal is more than recognition of quality in the glass; it’s a celebration of the people who bring Ontario’s cool-climate terroir to life.
“Our wines are born of a place unlike any other, a true cool climate where freshness, tension and precision define every bottle,” said Dean Foerter, Executive Director at Wines of Ontario. “The recognition we’ve earned this year is a tribute to the winemakers who channel the character of Ontario into wines that stand shoulder to shoulder with the world’s finest.”
In 2025, Ontario VQA wines were awarded:
- 14 Platinum
- 99 Gold
- 125 Silver
- 259 Bronze
- 7 Condemned
Medals spanned all three appellations and showcased the diversity of Ontario’s signature styles: bright, mineral-driven Rieslings; elegant, finely textured Chardonnays; nuanced Pinot Noirs; and lively, aromatic Cabernet Francs — alongside world-renowned Icewines and refined traditional-method sparkling wines. Together, these results highlight the depth of Ontario VQA winemaking and its growing reputation worldwide.
For a full breakdown of results, visit: https://winecountryontario.ca/category/award-winners/
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About the Wines of Ontario:
Wines of Ontario is dedicated to showcasing the unique VQA wines crafted exclusively from 100% Ontario-grown grapes. We celebrate not only our amazing winemakers and the distinct character of their authentic wines but also the rich experiences offered by Ontario’s diverse wine-growing regions. From local cuisine and year-round activities to the warm hospitality at each destination, we invite visitors to discover everything that makes Ontario’s wine country an absolute pleasure, just waiting to be experienced.
Media contact:
Andrea Peters
Senior Public Relations Manager
Wines of Ontario
T: 905.562.8070 ext. 223
