Ontario Regulation 85/25, filed under the Vintners Quality Alliance Act, 1999, introduces amendments to Ontario Regulation 406/00, which governs the rules related to terms for Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) wine. The changes primarily affect labeling terminology, grape variety classifications, and compositional standards for single-varietal, dual-varietal, triple-varietal, and multi-varietal wines. One of the major revisions includes the allowance for the term “Cabernet” to be used interchangeably for Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, or their blends, with “Cabernet” treated as a single-varietal for calculation purposes. Similarly, “Muscat” and “Moscato” may be used synonymously to represent any combination of Muscat grape varieties, and are also considered a single varietal in blends.

A comprehensive restructuring of Sub-table 3 outlines detailed definitions and labeling requirements for all varietal wines. For single-varietal wines, at least 85% of the wine must be derived from the named grape, including any sweet reserve added. These wines must use grape varieties from either Table 1 or Table 2 of Appendix B and must exclude hybrid grapes unless conditions for undeclared blending are met. In the case of dual-varietal wines, at least 90% of the wine must come from the two named grapes, with the second comprising a minimum of 15%. Triple-varietal wines require 95% content from three named grapes, with the second and third grapes making up at least 15% and 10%, respectively. Multi-varietal wines, involving four or more named grapes, must have 95% of their content derived from those varieties.

Labeling requirements are tightly regulated to preserve clarity and prevent consumer confusion. Grape names must be listed in descending order of volume contribution, using identical font and format. The use of confusing terms or those not specifically allowed—such as “Musqué” or “Fumé”—is restricted to permitted contexts, like “Chardonnay Musqué” and “Fumé Blanc” for Sauvignon Blanc. Proprietary names can be included alongside varietal names, and wines made using hybrid grapes are only entitled to a provincial, not regional, designation. Numerical descriptors in grape names are prohibited on labels.

Appendix B itself is completely restructured and expanded to clarify which grape varieties are authorized for use in VQA wines. It is now divided into three tables. Table 1 lists vitis vinifera varieties, including their synonyms—such as “Cabernet” for both Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, and “Fumé Blanc” for Sauvignon Blanc. Table 2 identifies hybrid grape varieties produced through inter-specific crossbreeding that are eligible for varietal labeling, including Baco Noir, Maréchal Foch, and Vidal Blanc. Table 3 lists hybrid varieties that may be included in wine blends but cannot be used as labeled varietals, such as Aurore, De Chaunac, and Léon Millot.

These amendments serve to modernize and improve VQA standards, ensuring greater clarity for producers and consumers while reinforcing the quality expectations associated with Ontario wines. The changes reflect evolving practices in viticulture and oenology, including the blending of traditional and hybrid grape types, while maintaining the integrity of VQA’s geographic and varietal labeling standards.

Ontario (85/2025) June 11, 2025
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