100% Ontario. Proudly VQA.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ontario VQA Wine

• What is VQA wine?

  VQA wine is an Ontario wine of origin made from 100% Ontario-grown grapes and certified to meet VQA standards.

  VQA certification helps verify where the grapes were grown and ensures the wine meets established requirements for grape varieties, winemaking, composition, labelling, and finished-wine quality.

  Learn More About VQA

• What does VQA Ontario mean?

  VQA Ontario means the wine has been certified under Ontario’s regulated wine appellation system and is made from 100% Ontario-grown grapes.

  The VQA designation helps customers identify authentic Ontario wines whose origin has been verified from grape harvest through to the finished bottle.

• Are VQA wines made from 100% Ontario-grown grapes?

  Yes. Every VQA wine begins with 100% Ontario-grown grapes.

  Depending on the wine, the label may identify Ontario broadly or a more specific recognized appellation where the grapes were grown. This gives wine lovers greater confidence in the origin and authenticity of the wine they are enjoying.

• What is the difference between VQA wine and Ontario wine?

  A VQA wine must meet Ontario’s regulated standards for origin, production, composition, and labelling, including being made from 100% Ontario-grown grapes.

  Not every wine produced by an Ontario winery is necessarily VQA-certified. The VQA designation provides additional assurance that the wine has successfully completed Ontario’s certification process and meets the requirements to use regulated VQA terms.

• Where are Pelee Island Winery grapes grown?

  Pelee Island Winery farms more than 700 acres of vineyards on Pelee Island, Ontario, in one of Canada’s warmest grape-growing regions.

  Surrounded by Lake Erie, Pelee Island offers distinctive growing conditions for varieties including Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Merlot, Baco Noir, Vidal, and more.

• What types of VQA wine does Pelee Island Winery produce?

  Pelee Island Winery produces a diverse collection of Ontario VQA wines, including reds, whites, rosé, sparkling wines, and late-harvest styles.

  Wine lovers can explore varieties such as Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Baco Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer, and more, along with unique blends and specialty wines.

• Can I buy Ontario VQA wine online?

  Yes. You can shop Pelee Island Winery’s Ontario VQA wines online and have eligible orders shipped directly to you.

  Browse our VQA collection to discover reds, whites, rosé, sparkling wines, award winners, and seasonal selections. Product availability and shipping eligibility may vary by destination.

• Has Pelee Island Winery’s LOLA Light Rosé VQA won awards?

  Yes. LOLA Light Rosé VQA is an internationally award-winning Ontario rosé that has earned recognition from respected Canadian and international wine competitions.

  Its awards include:

  Double Gold Medal — Finger Lakes International Wine & Spirits Competition 2023

  Double Gold & Best of Category — All Canadian Wine Championships 2026

  Bronze Medal — Decanter World Wine Awards 2026

  These awards recognize the quality and broad appeal of one of Pelee Island Winery’s most distinctive Ontario VQA rosé wines.

  Discover LOLA Light Rosé VQA →