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VQA - Your Guarantee of Quality

The Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) is an "Appellation of Origin" system by which consumers can identify wines of Ontario based on the origin of the grapes from which they are produced. The new VQA medallion is awarded to wines of the highest distinction, as selected by a panel of experts.

With the VQA system, Canada joins the other leading wine-producing countries in developing a body of regulations and high standards for its finest wines. In 1935, for example, France introduced its "Appellation d'Origine Controlle" system that remains in effect today. Italy introduced its "Denominazione Origine Controlata" designation in 1963. Germany's QMP system was finalized in 1971, and the U.S. system in 1978.

A Celebration of World Class Wines
Not long ago, people responded in doubt and disbelief to the suggestion that world class wines could be produced in Canada. After all, Canada is so far north, it's cold, the days are short, the nights are long and there is all that ice and snow! However, in Niagara, "Viniculture" (the art of wine making) started over two centuries ago with the Indians. Today, there are over 35 wineries in Ontario, with the 22 in Niagara producing 80% of Canadian wine. It is here that skill, dedication and patience have brought this grape-growing region to the "international stage".

There are four factors that determine the quality of fine wine: first is the grape; second is the soil in which the vines are planted; third is the amount of sunshine, rain and other climactic conditions; and fourth is the art of the winemaker in transforming the juice into a bottle of wine.

Geographically, Ontario's vineyards lie at the center of the world's wine belt. Located between the Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario, Niagara benefits from unique, cool climate growing conditions similar to the celebrated wine regions of Germany as well as Champagne and Burgundy in France. It is no wonder that the Niagara Region produces some of the world's finest wines!

Ontario's Gift to the World - Ice Wine
One of the best-kept secrets in the wine world is Ontario Icewine. Ontario is the most prolific source of this gift of winter to the wine lover. Grapes are left to freeze on the vine and harvested at temperatures of -7 degrees Celsius or colder. Still frozen, the Icewine grapes are pressed leaving water behind as shards of ice. The resulting juice is highly concentrated and sweet - perfect for creating this flavourful dessert wine. Ontario Icewines have become world renowned and routinely win top awards in the sweet wine categories of international wine competitions.

Not all grape varieties are suitable for making Icewine. Experience has shown that the "thick-skinned" Vidal and Riesling are the best. The flavour can range from the honeyed peach and apricot to more tropical fruits (mangoes, passion fruit) with a hint of toffee. And on the final taste a refreshing orange-like acidity cleans off the palate and prolongs the fruit flavours.

Icewine is indeed a dessert in itself - a superb finale to any meal, or an any time delight

Aperitifs (2 oz.)
Campari or Dubonnet $4.50
Pernod $4.95
Cinzano - red or white $4.95

Liquors (1-1/4 oz.)
House Rye, Scotch, Rum, Gin, Vodka $5.50 Grappa $5.95
Canadian Club Rye, Johnny Walker, J&B, Jack Daniels, Old Bushmills, Bacardi Rum, Beefeater Gin, Smirnoff Vodka or Absolute Vodka $5.95
Grappa $5.95
Tequila or Brandy $6.25
Domestic Liqueurs $5.50   Imported Liqueurs $5.95

Cocktails (1-1/4 oz.)
Bloody Mary or Caesar, Brandy Alexander, Gimlet, Manhattan, Margarita, Martini, Screw Driver, Singapore Sling, Tom Collins, Cosmopolitan or Whiskey Sour $6.95
Kiss in the Dark $6.95
Smirnoff Ice $6.95
Mike's Cranberry or Lemonade $6.95