The Modern Era began in 1974
The planting of grape vines and the making of wine in Ontario dates back to 1811, when a German-born man named Johann Schiller transplanted Pennsylvania-native labrusca and hybrids on 20 acres on the banks of the Credit River in Cooksville, approximately 20 km west of Toronto.
The modern era of winemaking in Ontario began in 1974 when Inniskillin was granted the first new winery licence since 1916 Prohibition. Within a few short years, more wineries opened and were integral in establishing a new-born industry through their pioneering efforts.
Committed to quality, Ontario wineries created the Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) program to set out geographic appellations and introduce strict production standards. Ontario boasts a vibrant grape and wine industry that enjoys continued growth.
