Canadian wine is gaining an international reputation and is steadily rising in popularity due to its many high-quality wines. The respected and recognized VQA certification is a symbol of excellence in the Canadian wine industry and a sort-after logo that guarantees exceptional quality, using high-quality grapes and winemaking techniques.
Established in 1988 in Ontario, the Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) is a non-profit organization that sets standards for grape growing, winemaking, and labelling for wines produced in certain regions of Canada. The VQA certification is similar to DOC in Italy or AOC in France and ensures that the wine meets certain criteria related to grape variety, vineyard location, and production methods, as well as minimum sugar levels and alcohol content. The certification also requires that the wine undergo a sensory evaluation by a panel of experts, which assesses the wine's aroma, taste, and other characteristics. The wines that meet these standards are allowed to carry the highly regarded VQA logo on their labels.
A Mark of Quality for Canadian Wines
The VQA certification is an important indicator of quality for Canadian wines, and many consumers look for this designation when selecting a bottle of wine. Wines that have been certified by the VQA are considered to be of exceptional quality, as they have been carefully produced using high-quality grapes and winemaking techniques.
As of 2021, there are over 200 wineries in Canada that hold VQA certification, producing a wide range of wines including reds, whites, and rosés. In Ontario alone, there are over 90 wineries that hold VQA certification, producing a range of wines from the Niagara Peninsula, Prince Edward County, and other regions of the province. The number of wineries and wines holding VQA certification is expected to grow in the coming years as more producers seek certification and as the Canadian wine industry continues to expand.
The different VQA certification
While there is only one VQA (Vintners Quality Alliance) certification program, there are different designations within the program that relate to different wine regions and grape varieties in Canada.
Ontario VQA
This designation applies to wines made from grapes grown in Ontario, Canada. To qualify for this designation, wines must meet specific production standards and be made from grape varieties approved by the VQA Ontario.
Nova Scotia VQA
This designation applies to wines made from grapes grown in Nova Scotia. To qualify for this designation, wines must meet specific production standards and be made from grape varieties approved by the Nova Scotia Wine Development Board.
Icewine VQA
The Icewine VQA designation applies specifically to Canadian icewines, which are made from grapes that have frozen on the vine. To qualify for this designation, the wine must meet specific production standards established by the respective VQA authorities in each province. Icewine VQA wines are highly sought after for their unique flavour profile and rarity.
British Columbia VQA
The British Columbia VQA designation applies to wines made from grapes grown in British Columbia. To qualify for this designation, wines must meet specific production standards and be made from grape varieties approved by the British Columbia Wine Authority.
Other classifications of wine
There are several other classifications of wine in Canada. "Wines of Distinction" is a category in British Columbia, "Wines of Nova Scotia" in Nova Scotia, and "Vins du Québec" in Quebec. Each category demands that the wines are crafted entirely from grapes grown in the corresponding province of British Columbia, Nova Scotia, or Quebec.
Canadian wines may also carry other designations, such as the Canadian Vintners Quality Alliance (CVQA) or the British Columbia Vintners Quality Alliance (BCVQA). These designations indicate that the wine meets additional standards set by the relevant regulatory authority.
BC VQA British Columbia
BC VQA British Columbia is a separate VQA certification program that is specific to the province of British Columbia in Canada. While it shares many similarities with the VQA programs in other Canadian provinces, it has its own set of quality standards and certification requirements.
Like other VQA programs in Canada, BC VQA wines must meet certain standards for grape growing, winemaking, and labelling before they can be certified. These standards are designed to ensure that BC VQA wines are made from 100% BC-grown grapes, that they meet specific quality standards, and that they are accurately labelled. In British Columbia, there are over 100 wineries that produce BC VQA wines, which meet the quality standards set by the British Columbia Wine Authority.
In addition to the basic BC VQA certification, there are also sub-categories within the program, such as "BC VQA Single Vineyard" and "BC VQA Organic". These sub-categories have additional certification requirements, such as using grapes from a single vineyard or following organic farming practices.
A well-deserved reputation
The VQA program has earned a well-deserved reputation as a trusted and recognized certification program in Canada, and its logo is a symbol of excellence in the Canadian wine industry. Many Canadian wineries proudly display the VQA logo on their labels as a testament to the quality of their wines, both at home and abroad. As such, the VQA certification is not only a mark of quality but also helps to promote Canadian wines and showcase the unique qualities of different wine regions and grape varieties in Canada.
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