report from Wine Growers Canada<\/a> found that in 2019 alone the grape and wine industry contributed $11.6 billion to the Canadian economy while also employing more than 45,000 people across the country.<\/p>\nWhile U.S. President Donald Trump\u2019s proposed tariffs on Canadian goods may lead to the removal of U.S. alcohol from local shelves, wine lovers needn\u2019t worry about access to quality product, Inglis says.<\/p>\n
\u201cHere in Niagara, wineries are producing some of the best wines in the world \u2014 Riesling, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay varietals, just to name a few,\u201d she says. \u201cEveryone can find a style of wine that they love, all while supporting the critical \u2018buy local\u2019 message that will benefit Canada during this unique period in its economic history.\u201d<\/p>\n
Although Trump\u2019s tariffs were put on a 30-day pause earlier this week, a decision to move forward with their implementation in the future could mean increased costs for businesses and job losses in a variety of sectors, in addition to slower national economic growth.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe mere uncertainty of the trade environment caused not only by the tariffs and counter-tariffs, but also by the delayed start dates, will inevitably slow overall business activity,\u201d says Lester Kwong, Brock Associate Professor of Economics and CCOVI Fellow.<\/p>\n
\u201cEfforts to find substitutes in both the input and output markets, by wineries and grape growers, will divert resources away from activities that could otherwise be used to help their business thrive in a more stable trade environment,\u201d Kwong says.<\/p>\n
Businesses, he adds, may opt for costlier short-term partnerships instead of more beneficial long-term cost-saving ones in the face of such uncertainties.<\/p>\n
To ready for the tariffs\u2019 potential impact, Inglis encourages Canadians to \u201cembrace the importance of buying local wines and increase the economic benefits that our homegrown wineries and grape growers provide to this country.\u201d<\/p>\n
She also urges wine enthusiasts and those looking to work in the sector to become more knowledgeable about Ontario\u2019s industry and its offerings.<\/p>\n
CCOVI \u2014 Canada\u2019s largest grape and wine research, outreach and continuing education centre \u2014 provides a variety of learning opportunities focused on Ontario wines and winemaking.<\/p>\n
For example, the upcoming five-week Certification in Ontario Wines online course builds a strong foundation around the history of Ontario wine and its different appellations, tastes and aromas.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s perfect for the enthusiast hoping to take their passion to the next level, or anyone wishing to work, or currently working, in a winery or a restaurant,\u201d Inglis says. \u201cThe course provides the knowledge and confidence to be a champion of Ontario wine.\u201d<\/p>\n
Successful course participants are fully certified by three authorities: CCOVI, the Ontario Wine Appellation Authority and the Ontario Craft Wineries.<\/p>\n
For more information or to register for the course, visit the\u00a0