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LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Ernie Hardeman MPP For Immediate Release Hardeman Introduces Bill to Recognize the Bicentennial of the Ontario Wine Industry QUEEN’S PARK – Today in the Ontario Legislature Ernie Hardeman, MPP for Oxford and PC critic for Agriculture and Food, introduced An Act to recognize 2011 as the bicentennial of the Ontario Wine industry. “This year is a significant milestone for the Ontario wine industry,” said Hardeman. “It marks 200 years since Johann Schiller, the father of the Ontario wine industry, opened the first commercial winery in Ontario.” In the area of Mississauga now known as Cooksville, Mr. Schiller produced wine made from wild labrusca grapes. He founded Ontario’s first commercial winery in 1811, and it is from this humble beginning that the Ontario wine industry began. “The Ontario wine industry has grown in economic importance into one that generates over $500 million in retail sales each year,” said Hardeman. “With over 17 million grape vines, Ontario is the country’s leading grape producer, accounting for about 80% of all Canadian production.” The Ontario wine industry is the largest in Canada, directly employs over 6000 people, and contributes greatly to many sectors of the Ontario economy such as agriculture and tourism. “I want to congratulate all of our wineries and grape growers for being part of this milestone and for their hard work to make this industry such a great success,” said Hardeman. “I encourage Ontarians to celebrate this accomplishment by trying new Ontario wines and visiting some of our beautiful wineries.” - 30 -
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