The evolution of Ontario’s VQA wines took the spotlight at a recent gathering of industry experts meant to celebrate successes of the past and present.

From sommeliers to writers, educators and retailers, more than 100 wine professionals from across the industry came together June 6 for Brock’s annual Experts Tasting.

Hosted by the University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI), the 32nd annual event’s “Then and Now” theme marked a rare educational opportunity to evaluate and explore same-label VQA wines that were at least five years apart in age and originated from the same winemakers and vineyards in Ontario.

CCOVI took over the hosting of the Experts Tasting in 1997 with the aim to help raise the profile of Ontario VQA wines.

“This invitation-only event brings together media, product consultants, sommeliers, wine educators and aligned industry members who promote VQA wines through education and promotion,” said organizer Barb Tatarnic, CCOVI’s Manager of Outreach and Continuing Education. “It allows guests to taste and learn alongside their peers in the industry and with winemakers in attendance.”

This year’s tasting was constructed in the Burgundian format, beginning with rich, deep red wines and progressing to brilliant white wines that showcase the breadth and complexity of ageable Ontario VQA wine, Tatarnic said.

A judging panel was tasked with blind tasting more than 100 wine submissions to approve the nearly 40 wines presented at the Experts Tasting.

The day was organized into five tasting flights, with each showcasing a current release alongside a mature vintage of the same label, side by side with a minimum of five years between vintages.

In keeping with the theme, Inniskillin Winemaker Nick Gizuk led a lively discussion on the metamorphosis of Ontario VQA wines with Angelo Pavan, Cave Spring

Their conversation explored past challenges and lessons learned, as well as how they adapted as the industry matured and evolved over the past 30-plus years.

The Experts Tasting also included the presentation of the annual VQA Promoters Awards, now in their 15th year. The awards recognize individuals who work above and beyond to promote VQA wines through education and promotion.

The winners of the 2024 VQA Promoters Awards are (from left) Laura Carr in the Hospitality category, Matthew Cauz in the Media category, Elena Galey-Pride in the Promoter-At-Large category, Robbie Raskin in the Hospitality category, Sumie Yamakawa in the Retail category, and Doug Beatty in the Lifetime Achievement category.

Laura Carr, of Chez Nous Wine Bar, and Robbie Raskin, of Archives Wine & Spirits Merchants, were recognized with Hospitality Awards.

Carr was honoured for her commitment to featuring only 100 per cent VQA wines at her wine bar in Toronto, and Raskin was recognized for creating bottle shops featuring locally crafted wines from small producers not found in the LCBO.

Radio personality Matthew Cauz, who hosts the podcast “Matt Talks Wine and Stuff With Interesting People,” was recognized in the Media category for his work promoting exceptionalism in the local wine industry.

Sumie Yamakawa, Estate Retail Manager with Inniskillin Estate Winery, was honoured in the Retail category as a trailblazer in her field for more than 20 years.

Elena Galey-Pride of Winestains was recognized as Promoter-At-Large for her longstanding commitment and dedication to marketing, social media, public relations, photography and literary talents in the promotion of the Ontario wine industry.

The Lifetime Achievement award was bestowed upon Doug Beatty, Ontario VQA Wine Ambassador with the Wine Marketing Association of Ontario, for his substantial body of work resulting in the growth in the appreciation of Ontario VQA wines.

“Doug is the epitome of what it means to be a VQA promoter,” said Tatarnic, who hosted the awards. “This isn’t a ‘job’ for Doug; his passion for VQA is contagious and, as he explains it, it is an honour to advocate for this amazing industry.”

The event concluded with the announcement of the next Experts Tasting in June 2025, with the theme of Sparkling.

For more information on CCOVI’s programming, industry outreach and education, please visit brocku.ca/ccovi