Source: NOTL Local
The Grape Growers of Ontario, with the Honourable Speaker of the Legislature and MPP for Flamborough-Glanbrook, Donna Skelly, hosted the 46th Annual Wine Tasting event at Queen’s Park on Wednesday, October 28th. The following have been chosen as the official wines of Ontario’s Legislative Assembly for 2026:
Sparkling Wine: 2023 Sparkling Riesling by Harbour Estates Winery Red Wine: 2021 Barrel 81 by Riverview Cellars Estate Winery White Wine: 2022 Pecorino by Casa Dea Estates Winery Ice Wine: 2024 Vidal Ice Wine by Between The Lines Estate Winery
“As the legacy partner of the Legislature’s wine tasting event, the Grape Growers of Ontario thank the Hon. Speaker Skelly for continuing the tradition of choosing the official VQA wines of the Legislative Assembly for the coming year,” said Matthias Oppenlaender, Chair. “Our agriculture value-added industry is rooted in the land, and the Grape Growers of Ontario look forward to continuing to work with the Government of Ontario to support Ontario’s grape and wine industry. Congratulations to Harbour Estates Winery, Riverview Cellars Estate Winery, Casa Dea Estates Winery, and Between The Lines Estate Winery on their wines being selected.”
“The wines showcased at this event reflect the connection between 100% Ontario-grown grapes and the winemakers who craft them. We congratulate all of Ontario’s wineries on producing top-quality VQA wines and thank the six wineries who participated in this year’s tasting,” said Debbie Zimmerman, CEO.
“We are truly honoured that the Legislative Assembly of Ontario has chosen Riverview Cellars’ 2021 Barrel 81 to be featured this year. This recognition celebrates the dedication of our family and team, as well as the unique character of our Niagara-on-the-Lake vineyard. We’re proud to share a taste of our terroir with Ontario’s representatives and guests.” — Riverview Cellars Estate Winery
“Casa-Dea Estates Winery is deeply honoured that our 2022 Pecorino has been chosen as the White Wine for the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. We want to thank the Grape Growers of Ontario and the Queen’s Park Legislative staff for hosting a wonderful tasting showcasing Ontario Wines.” — Casa-Dea Estate Winery
“Between the Lines Winery is honoured to have our 2024 Ice Walker Vidal Icewine selected for the 2026 Legislative Assembly of Ontario. As a small family estate, this recognition means a great deal to us. Over the past fifteen years, we have refined our craft through experimentation, innovation, and a commitment to inventive winemaking techniques. The support of our fellow wineries and the enthusiastic feedback has been truly inspiring. We extend our sincere appreciation to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario for this opportunity and for celebrating wines made from 100% Ontario-grown grapes.” — Between the Lines Winery
It is a great honour to have our 2023 Sparkling Riesling chosen as the Ontario Legislature’s sparkling wine for the year. Early in the history of Harbour Estates Winery, our 2002 Chardonnay was chosen as the white wine for the year. This is confirmation that, after over 20 years, we are still producing wines of great quality that stand out and are recognized. Kudos to the Ontario Legislature and the Grape Growers of Ontario for showcasing the fine wines produced by wineries across the province through this annual event — Harbour Estates Winery