As Canadians embrace the “buy local” movement in response to now-paused U.S. tariffs, experts in Ontario’s grape and wine industry are reminding consumers of the top-shelf products available in their own backyards.

The growing swell to support Canadian businesses represents an opportunity to further highlight the world-class wines produced in the province and their impact, says Debbie Inglis, Director of Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI).

The CCOVI researcher and professor of biological sciences says Ontario wines, along with those produced in other provinces are a boon for the Canadian economy.

A report from Wine Growers Canada found that in 2019 alone the grape and wine industry contributed $11.6 billion to the Canadian economy while also employing more than 45,000 people across the country.

While U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on Canadian goods may lead to the removal of U.S. alcohol from local shelves, wine lovers needn’t worry about access to quality product, Inglis says.

“Here in Niagara, wineries are producing some of the best wines in the world — Riesling, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay varietals, just to name a few,” she says. “Everyone can find a style of wine that they love, all while supporting the critical ‘buy local’ message that will benefit Canada during this unique period in its economic history.”

Although Trump’s tariffs were put on a 30-day pause, a decision to move forward with their implementation in the future could mean increased costs for businesses and job losses in a variety of sectors, in addition to slower national economic growth.

“The mere uncertainty of the trade environment caused not only by the tariffs and counter-tariffs, but also by the delayed start dates, will inevitably slow overall business activity,” says Lester Kwong, Brock associate professor of economics and CCOVI fellow. 

“Efforts to find substitutes in both the input and output markets, by wineries and grape growers, will divert resources away from activities that could otherwise be used to help their business thrive in a more stable trade environment,” Kwong says.

Businesses, he adds, may opt for costlier short-term partnerships instead of more beneficial long-term cost-saving ones in the face of such uncertainties.

To ready for the tariffs’ potential impact, Inglis encourages Canadians to “embrace the importance of buying local wines and increase the economic benefits that our homegrown wineries and grape growers provide to this country.”

She also urges wine enthusiasts and those looking to work in the sector to become more knowledgeable about Ontario’s industry and its offerings.

CCOVI — Canada’s largest grape and wine research, outreach and continuing education centre — provides a variety of learning opportunities focused on Ontario wines and winemaking.

For example, the upcoming five-week Certification in Ontario Wines online course builds a strong foundation around the history of Ontario wine and its different appellations, tastes and aromas.

“It’s perfect for the enthusiast hoping to take their passion to the next level, or anyone wishing to work, or currently working, in a winery or a restaurant,” Inglis says. “The course provides the knowledge and confidence to be a champion of Ontario wine.”

Successful course participants are fully certified by three authorities: CCOVI, the Ontario Wine Appellation Authority and the Ontario Craft Wineries.

Source:  CCOVI February 6, 2025 news release