The 47th Annual Legislative Wine Tasting was held at Queen’s Park on Tuesday, October 27, hosted by the Honourable Donna Skelly, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario and MPP for Flamborough—Glanbrook. This longstanding tradition brings together Members of Provincial Parliament and representatives of Ontario’s grape and wine industry to celebrate the quality and diversity of 100% Ontario-grown VQA wines. Grape Growers of Ontario participated in the event, along with representatives from Ontario Craft Wineries and Wine Growers Ontario. The following wines were selected as the official wines of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario for 2027:

Sparkling Wine: 2025 Sparkling by Cooper’s Hawk Vineyard

Red Wine: 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon by CREW Winery

White Wine: 2025 Pinot Grigio by Bella Terra
 

In recognition of the International Year of the Woman Farmer in 2026, Grape Growers of Ontario also acknowledges the contributions of the Grape Growers Action Committee. Comprised of women dedicated to promoting Ontario-grown grapes and wines, the committee helped lay the groundwork for the Legislative Wine Tasting tradition, which dates back to 1979. Their efforts to connect Ontario's grape and wine industry with provincial decision-makers helped establish a lasting legacy that continues at Queen's Park today.

“Great Ontario wines begin in our vineyards, with the dedication and hard work of the growers who produce the grapes behind every bottle,” said Kevin Watson, chair of Grape Growers of Ontario. “Congratulations to Cooper’s Hawk Vineyard for their 2025 Sparkling, CREW Winery for their 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, and Bella Terra for their 2025 Pinot Grigio on being selected as the official wines of Ontario’s Legislative Assembly for 2027. When you choose a 100% Ontario VQA wine, you're choosing exceptional quality, supporting local farm families and investing in an industry we're incredibly proud of. We grow outstanding grapes, we produce world-class wines, and there's never been a better or more important time to celebrate and support what's grown and made right here in Ontario.”
 

“The Legislative Wine Tasting is a remarkable legacy that began with a group of determined women who recognized the exceptional quality and potential of Ontario wines and believed they deserved to be celebrated,” said Debbie Zimmerman, CEO of Grape Growers of Ontario. “Their vision was to showcase what Ontario could produce and demonstrate that our wines could stand proudly among the world's best. Nearly five decades later, that legacy continues, celebrating not only the quality of our wines, but the growers, winemakers and farm families who have helped build Ontario's grape and wine industry into an important part of our province's agricultural and economic landscape.”
 
 

"The staff and owners of Cooper's Hawk Vineyards in Harrow, Ontario, are thrilled beyond words at this recognition by the Ontario legislature. We are proud to be Ontario growers and winemakers in the Lake Erie North Shores viticulture region. The support of our Ontario government is appreciated and needed, especially in these challenging times," said Tom O'Brien, president and co-owner of Cooper's Hawk Vineyards Winery.
 
 

“We are delighted to have our 2025 Pinot Grigio selected for the Legislative Assembly in 2027. This wine is wonderfully fresh, with vibrant notes of stone fruit, and truly reflects the unique terroir of our family vineyard. Our family has been growing grapes on this property for three generations, since 1974. With every glass of our Pinot Grigio, you are experiencing over 50 years of family tradition, dedication, and grape-growing expertise,” said David Puglisi, retail manager at Bella Terra Vineyards. 

 

Source: Grape Growers of Ontario October 30, 2026 news release