About us
Ontario Grape and Wine Research Inc. is the culmination of a joint effort between the Grape Growers of Ontario, Ontario Craft Wineries and the Wine Growers Ontario. The objective of OGWRI is to enhance the profitability and sustainability of the Ontario grape and wine industry through directed and coordinated financing of research and development activities.
Each year the OGWRI Technical Committee reviews the research priorities to ensure they remain current and up-to-date with industry issues. OGWRI releases an request for proposals for 2 months in January and February to industry and academia. Once the intake closes, The Board and Technical Committee review each proposal for validity.
Board of Directors
Grape Growers of Ontario
Matthias Oppenlaender (Chair)
Grape Growers of Ontario
Steve Pohorly
Ontario Craft Wineries
Allan Schmidt
Wine Growers Ontario
Nikola (Nik) Antunovich
Technical Committee
- John Paroschy (Chair)
- Dave Mines
- Katie Dickieson
- Albrecht Seeger
- Jessica Solanki
- Mackenzie Brisbois
- Justin Phillips
Project Manager
Darien Temprile
Grape Growers of Ontario is the official organization that represents over 475 grape growers of 17,500 acres of vineyards in Ontario, Canada who produce grapes for processing.
The Ontario Craft Wineries (OCW) is the champion of Ontario’s high quality, authentically local Vintner’s Quality Alliance (VQA) wines and of promoting wine country as a destination.
As a non-profit trade association, Ontario Craft Wineries represents over 100 wineries from across the three designated viticultural areas of Niagara, Prince Edward County, and Lake Erie North Shore – including Pelee Island, as well as emerging wine-producing regions such as Ontario’s South Coast and Georgian Bay/Grey County.
OCW members are grape growers, manufacturers and leaders in tourism in their communities. OCW members are the future of Ontario’s wine industry, which is a source of new investment, jobs and award-winning wines.
Wine Growers Ontario are the leading Ontario wineries and grape growers that are committed to offering Ontario wine drinkers a wide range of quality wines to enjoy at any occasion. From 100% Ontario Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) to International Domestic Blends (IDB) wines.