Monthly Newsletter
Posted: November 7, 2024
DEADLINE TO REGISTER GRAPES! NOVEMBER 15
The deadline to register grapes for Late Harvest, Icewine and Skin Fermented White categories is quickly approaching. Please register online, through VQA Services by November 15th. No entries are accepted after that day. If you need help or have questions, please contact the office.
RULE CHANGE CONSULTATION IN PROGRESS – FEEDBACK WELCOME
OWAA is currently consulting on a new category for Sparkling Wine made using Icewine as the tirage liqueur. Please let us know if you have any comments or questions. See the details here https://learn.vqaontario.ca/stakeholder-consultation/ .
PLAN AHEAD FOR DECEMBER SCHEDULE CHANGES
December wine approvals schedule
The last tasting panel of the year will be December 11, 2024. An additional panel may be convened on December 18 if there is sufficient demand (at least 15 wines).
The LCBO laboratory will close for maintenance between December 18th and December 29th. If you need a FULL LCBO analysis, the last intake date for samples delivered to OWAA will be December 3rd by 4:00 pm. OWAA will continue accepting samples received in December, but the FULL chemical analysis will not be completed until mid-January. Stay tuned for information on the schedule for BASIC analyses.
Holiday Office HoursThe OWAA office will be closed from December 25 to January 1, inclusive, re-opening on Thursday January 2, 2025.
UPLOAD YOUR LABELS
As the end of the year approaches, please consider tidying up your applications in VQA Services. Please ensure that any missing labels are uploaded for review and that applications are paid for. This way, we can complete the applications in the system before the holiday break. Thank you!
GET YOUR RETAIL STAFF READY FOR HOLIDAY CUSTOMERS
Take our refresher course about ONTARIO VQA WINE APPELLATIONS. It’s available online for free for our winery members! Ontario VQA Wine Appellations – Ontario Wine Appellation Authority (vqaontario.ca)). Help your retail staff and trainers expand their knowledge of the Ontario appellation system to share with your engaged customers.
EVERYTHING EXPLAINED
See your Members Manual at Ontario Wine Appellation Authority WINERY SERVICES GUIDE (vqaontario.ca).
