Wine Country Ontario Travel Guide 2020/21 - 96

FAQs | Need-to-Know Information
I've never been to a winery. What should I expect?
First and foremost, you should expect an open, friendly
and hospitable environment. Many people are intimidated by visiting wineries, but here in Ontario, staff realize
they're ambassadors not just for their label, but for the
entire region. They'll assist you and answer any questions
you might have because they really enjoy talking about
wine. As for the wineries, they vary in size and each one
is unique. Most wineries are comprised of a retail area
where bottles are on display and related items such as
corkscrews and stemware can be purchased, and a
tasting bar where you can typically sample some wines
for a small fee.
I am travelling with a group of friends should I call
ahead to make an appointment?
If you are travelling with a group larger than 6 people it is
best to call ahead particularly if you are visiting smaller
wineries as space in the tasting room is sometimes
limited.
I'm eager to go on a wine tour.
How should I approach this?
Most wineries offer tours of their vineyard and winery,
typically for a small fee. Visitors will learn about the
history of the winery, see how the wine is produced and
taste some of the wines. To start, consult the winery
listings for more details on winery tours, but it's also best
to call in advance to book a tour, find out what times they
offer these sessions and the types of tours that they host.
Where can I eat in Wine Country?
Many wineries have on-site restaurants and bistros.
Casual patio fare is often available during the summer
months. The regions also boast wonderful restaurants
that offer local foods and local wines. Or stop by a
farmers' market and pick up the makings for a picnic
lunch - refer to the winery listings to see which wineries
have picnic space.
I'm interested in having wine shipped directly to my
home - what's the policy around this?
Many wineries are happy to arrange shipping to your
home if you live in Ontario for a small fee. Ask the retail
associates at each winery or check out their online stores
for details.
If I'm travelling with wine, what's the best way to keep it?
If travelling by car, it is best to secure the wine in a cooler
or box and out of direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. If travelling by plane, ensure the wine is well
secured in strong shipping packaging to avoid breakage.
Once a bottle is opened, how long will the wine last?
On average, opened wine will be fine for up to three
days. It's important to properly seal your wine. If it's
white, keep it in the refrigerator; if it's red, store it at
room temperature.
I'm going to the United States. What are the rules for
bringing wine across the border?
When travelling from Canada to the U.S. each adult over
the age of 21 is allowed one litre of wine. Any additional
wine is subject to an IRS tax of 21 cents per additional litre
regardless of the wine's price.
*Please verify with Customs for any updates or new policies.

Is there a recommended way to age Ontario VQA
wines?
There are a number of determining factors when it
comes to aging wine, such as the vintage and the
varietal. If you're at a winery, put the question to one
of their staff. Otherwise, the following are a few
guidelines to follow with respect to aging wines:
* For fresh, unoaked white wines and rosé wines -
up to one year
* Oaked white wines - one to two years
* Ontario red wines - between two and five years
* Ontario Icewine and fortified wine -
between five and 10 years
All varieties of wine (including Icewine) should be
stored horizontally in a cool, dark and dry place.
What is VQA Ontario?
VQA is a system that regulates wines of origin,
ensuring the wine is made from 100% Ontario grapes
and meets specific quality and labelling standards. It is
Ontario's version of appellation control that has
existed in Europe's great wine regions for over 60
years.
VQA is all about place. Our wines reflect their inherent
tie to special places in Ontario - Niagara Peninsula,
Lake Erie North Shore, Prince Edward County - places
where the soil, the slope, the sunshine, the warmth,
the rainfall and the craftsmanship yield distinct grapes
and exceptional wines.
Find out what special place your wine comes from by
looking for the region or sub-region name between the
VQA letters on the label.
What is vintage variation?
Each unique growing season has an impact on the
growth of the grape vine and the fruit it produces, and
in turn the wine made from that harvest. Wine
character can be a delicate thing and knowing about
each vintage can help predict what the potential is for
its wines. Seasonal conditions can also vary between
appellations and even between micro-climates within a
small appellation.
But vintages are not always universally "bad" or "good".
While one variety might enjoy the scorching heat,
others will thrive in cooler weather. And remember,
grapes are just one part of the equation - the
winemaker's skills shine through in every wine and
every vintage.
Sustainable Winemaking Ontario
Certified
Sustainable Winemaking Ontario
Certified is a certification program that ensures
wineries adhere to environmentally sustainable
practices in their winemaking operations. Certified
wineries are identified by the green leaf logo beside
their winery description in the Guide. To be certified,
Ontario wineries must complete an in-depth survey
that is verified annually by an independent auditor that
tracks winemaking activities from soil to shelf. When
consumers see the green leaf logo, they are
guaranteed that the winery and their respective wines
have travelled a sustainable path.

Wine Country Ontario Travel Guide 2020/21

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Wine Country Ontario Travel Guide 2020/21