Canadian Vineyards Going Organic

Filed in archive Canadian Wines , Organic Wine , Vineyards , Wine Making , Wine News , Wineries on September 3, 2007

According to a recent article in Canada's Financial Post, organic wineries are on the rise in Canada, and winemakers could not be happier. They feel good that they are doing something positive for the environment - eschewing chemical pesticides and fertilizers in favor of earth-friendly versions. And let's not forget to mention that more and more people are buying organic wines, as well. In Canada sales of organic wines rose 16 percent last year. The year before, they rose 3 percent. But it seems to be more of a concern for sustainable farming rather than profit that is driving wineries to go organic. Not all are aiming for certfication, they just want to do what they feel is best.

The Wine Council of Ontario recently launched an environmental sustainability program to help vineyards make improvements - everything from disturbing the grape berry moths' conjugal relations, to insulating fermentation tanks so they use less electricity, installing solar panels, examining other alternative energy sources, managing wastewater and using less water.

The council had hoped to get 15 to 20 wineries into the program the first year; so far, 25 have registered, said Mr. Green, who chairs the program's technical committee.

"It's all about improving our environmental performance," said Mr. Green. "This is something the industry needs. The consumer is more concerned now about the environment than ever."