Ontario Grape Growers expect demand for 2012 Ontario wine to soar following record harvest and global wine shortage

/CNW/ - A record 2012 grape harvest and a global wine shortage have Ontario grape growers optimistic that 2013 will see more wine lovers than ever from Ontario and around the world enjoying award-winning Ontario wines. "Ontario's harvest has set records, not just in terms of yield but also quality. The fact that this has taken place at a time of global wine shortages and increasing international grape prices provides an unprecedented opportunity for Ontario's grape and wine industry," said Grape Growers of Ontario Chair Bill George. Mr. George's comments came as the Grape Growers of Ontario released the results from this year's harvest at the Queen's Quay LCBO store in Toronto today. While the year started with one of the earliest springs in memory with risk from severe spring frost damage, the near-perfect hot, dry summer produced some of the highest-quality grapes ever seen. The 2012 harvest is an outstanding one at 65,800 tonnes of grapes, valued at more than $88.3 million, with fruit quality that continues to exceed all industry standards.

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