Grape Growers of Ontario and Farm Credit Canada have announced that Niagara-on-the-Lake grape grower Jeff Duc has been chosen by his peers as the 2024 Grape King.
 
 

“Jeff comes from a rich history of grape growers, and his knowledge is a wonderful combination to be selected as an ambassador for our industry,” says Grape Growers of Ontario chair, Matthias Oppenlaender. “The annual crowning of the Grape King is a time-honoured tradition that began in 1956 to recognize exemplary vineyard management stewardship in the grape growing industry,” says Debbie Zimmerman, CEO of the Grape Growers of Ontario.
 
 

“FCC is pleased to support the tradition of naming an Ontario Grape King and with it, celebrating the best in the business such as this year's recipient, Jeff Duc,” said Clinton Buttar, Ontario vice-president commercial and small business at Farm Credit Canada. “At FCC, we admire the meticulous care and passion that goes into every vineyard, every harvest, and every bottle. Congratulations to all the wine producers for your outstanding achievements, and a special toast to this year’s Grape King Award winner.”

 

The Grape King carries the distinction of being nominated by their peers and selected by industry judges who visit each of the nominated vineyards. The Grape King serves as a representative for Ontario’s grape and wine industry at events across the country.
 
 

Jeff Duc is a third-generation grower in Niagara-on-the-Lake, managing the farm alongside his dad at Forrer Farms. They operate approximately 250 acres of vineyards with varieties including Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Gamay, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon, Merlot, and some hybrids. They also produce icewine.
 
 

He is a valued member of the board of directors of Grape Growers of Ontario and is on the board of the Niagara Peninsula Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association. 

Source:  Grape Growers of Ontario September 18, 2024 news release