I mean… it could be winter and I would probably be saying the same if I’m being honest.
Over what feels like the past twelve years of pandemic life, I’ve really had the chance to learn more about VQA wines and how important supporting local wineries really is. Not only because a beautiful bottle of wine makes everything better, but because many of you may not realize that these small businesses need our support to stay afloat amid a very challenging year as well. Having met and worked with so many of them throughout my career as a blogger, and to kick off a partnership with Wine Country Ontario for #30DaysofVQA, I thought I’d share some of my personal favourites.
“Join us throughout the month of May as we celebrate our love of VQA! We will be featuring selections from local Ontario VQA wineries every day on the Wine Country Ontario Instagram and Twitter channels. The best part?! All of these amazing VQA wines are available for direct delivery or curbside pickup. Follow along as we showcase current offerings from VQA wineries across the province!”
The month of May will have me sharing some of the best and some of the best kept secrets when it comes to VQA wines. But for those of you who don’t know what VQA means, let me break it down for you really quick.
- VQA stands for Vintners Quality Alliance. VQA Ontario is an independent authority that establishes and monitors the province’s “appellation of origin” system.
- VQA enforces winemaking standards and label integrity through a rigorous certification program that you can trust. When you see VQA on the bottle, you’ll know that it’s passed intensive testing to ensure the highest of wine standards.
- Every VQA wine is crafted from 100% Ontario-grown grapes, so you can feel confident and proud that it’s an authentic local wine.
You’ll remember that last summer I shared the ultimate guide to Niagara Wine – click here – and this month on my Instagram account and Facebook page, I’ll be sharing more wineries with you to help inspire your own #30DaysofVQA journey. Be it a refreshing Team Canada White from Pilliteri to a floral Cabernet Rose from Konzelmann Estate Winery, a flirty & fruity Sparkling Rose from Alvento to a crisp Riesling from Cave Spring, a voluptuous Merlot from Muscedere to velvety Chardonnay from Lacey, and so many more.
This month, let’s focus on things we can control. On beautiful experiences we can have. On businesses we can support and enjoy. And let’s remember to be more kind towards ourselves and others. That’s how I’m staying focused on the things I love and care about, and it’s doing wonders for me.
This post is not intended to be seen by persons under the legal alcohol drinking age or in countries with restrictions on advertising on alcoholic beverages. Please remember to enjoy responsibly and never drink and drive.
Make sure to follow along with both myself and Wine Country Ontario for all things #30DaysofVQA on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. As always please remember to enjoy responsibly.
Photos: Daniel Reyes & All Social Media accounts listed above
Don’t forget to be kind & laugh a little more this year, and the next!
Mobile photos were taken with my Google Device of choice on the Rogers network.
*Promotional consideration may have been offered by participating brands – all opinions expressed are my own and my disclosure can be found at all times by clicking here.