Proposed amendments to wine standards rules contained in regulation under the Vintners Quality Alliance Act, 1999.
Regulation Number(s):
Ontario Regulation 406/00
Instrument Type:
Regulation - Minister
Bill or Act:
Vintners Quality Alliance Act, 1999
Summary of Proposal:
Vintners Quality Alliance Ontario, also known as the Ontario Wine Appellation Authority (Appellation Authority), is designated as the administrative authority responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Vintners Quality Alliance Act, 1999. Regulation 406/00 under this Act sets out, among other things, the minimum brix requirements for authorized varieties in Appendix A: Minimum Brix Levels of Grapes, as well as a list of grape varieties authorized for the production of Vintners Quality Alliance wines in Appendix B: Authorized Grape Varieties.

In early 2022, after receiving requests from the wine industry to add the Pecorino grape variety and adjust the Smillon grape variety's minimum brix under the wine standards rules, the Ontario Wine Appellation Authority launched stakeholder consultations to seek feedback from its membership and key industry associations. Positive support for both proposed changes was received.

This proposed addition of the Pecorino grape variety and adjustment of the Smillon grape variety minimum brix level to the wine standards rules were both subject to a substantial and thorough review by the Appellation Authority's technical advisory committee and its Board of Directors, in accordance with its internal policies for evaluating the addition of grape varieties and adjustment of production standards.

The Appellation Authority found that the Pecorino grape variety can produce wines meeting the expected quality standards reflected in the current list of eligible varieties, and that adjusting the minimum brix requirement for the Smillon grape variety is reflective of current vineyard practices and acceptable quality standards.

The Pecorino variety, commonly grown in other wine producing countries, is new to Ontario and is suited for cultivation in the province's wine regions. The Smillon variety is already grown in Ontario but requires the proposed regulation change to ensure production can continue under the current standards.

Authorizing these regulatory changes will give grape growers and wineries in Ontario the opportunity to develop wine using these varieties and keep pace with industry changes.
Analysis of Regulatory Impact:
There are no new or increased administrative or compliance costs to regulated entities associated with this proposal.
Further Information:
Proposal Number:
22-MGCS014
Posting Date:
August 2, 2022
Comments Due Date:
September 1, 2022
Contact Address:
Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery
Public Safety and Operations Policy Branch
56 Wellesley St. W. 6th Floor
Toronto, ON M7A 1C1