the Viticultural Roundtable of
Southwestern Ontario

 

"In search of quality-enhancing production methods"

Welcome to the roundtable! The roundtable is an informal forum for discussion and sharing of expertise and knowledge among grape growers in Southwestern Ontario. This area is home to two wine Appellations of Origin: Lake Erie North Shore, and Pelee Island.

Our vineyards are located in the penninsula of Southwestern Ontario - a premiere grape growing area located in Canada's Great Lakes region. It is the most southerly point of Canada. The penninsula is surrounded by the waters of Lake Erie, the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair. The resultant moderating effect on our climate gives us the distinction of having the highest accumulation of heat units in Canada each summer. This contributes to the high sugars and moderate acid levels in our grapes.

Windsor is the only Candian city to look North to the United States!

Our vineyards are located in the counties of Essex, Kent and Pelee Island (part of Essex county). At the 42nd parallel north latitude, we enjoy the climatic benefits of being on the same latitude as the French Riviera, Northern California, Southern France and Madrid, Spain. We also boast a summer growing season similar to the French Bordeaux, and a winter that reliably ensures an icewine harvest. Many of the world's finest vinifera grapes are grown here. Their wines enjoying international acclaim.

 

About Us:

Our Roundtable is comprised of many of the grape growers and a number of the wineries from the Lake Erie North Shore and Pelee Island Viticultural Regions. The objective in forming this group was to develop a forum for sharing information and ideas on best viticultural practices that would bring positive results in the production and quality levels in our vineyards, as well as improve over-wintering results in our vines and buds.

 

The search for information is certainly not restricted to viticultural practices; we are always on the look out for emerging vineyard equipment technology, grape vine genetics (clones, winter hardiness levels) new disease control materials and systems, and so on. Our group tries to be up to date on new viticultural research initiatives and testing taking place in our industry and academic institutions.

In certain circumstances our vineyards might be test opportunities for new approaches and concepts.

 

The Lake Erie North Shore and Pelee Island Viticultural Regions are truly unique both in Canada and the world. While we share many common issues and concerns with other regions, our specific set of climatic and geographic parameters present challenges we continue to seek better answers to......

We have been working together since 1994, primarily in response to severe winter injury in January 1994. It was found that sharing ideas helped growers to better respond and manage injured vines and other problems encountered in the vineyards in this area. Discussions now range from winter preparation to new products and cultural practices.

 

The Roundtable is open to all grape growers of Southwestern Ontario, who share a goal of world class grape production. We welcome any involvement with us as well as the possible sharing of mutually beneficial information. We meet 4 - 6 times per year in several venues: at research plots, in boardrooms, vineyards and in wine tasting rooms.

Then and Now comparisons

1994

·         6 growers in Essex County and 1 in Kent         4 wineries     approximately 500 acres

2004

·         18 growers in Essex County and 3 in Kent       7wineries   approximately 1200 acres .

2007

●         19 growers in Essex County and  4 in Kent     13 wineries approximatly 1300 acres

 

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