Hi, I’m wondering which types of grapes to make wine will grow well in Toronto north east?
I’m partial to merlot, cabernet and riesling styles.
Also, any suggestions on where to buy vines? Locally, mostly I see grapes for sweet fresh eating grapes.
Thank you for contacting the Toronto Master Gardeners.
White wine varieties grown in Ontario include Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc.
Red wine varieties grown in Ontario include Gamay Noir, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc and Baco Noir.
Below is a link to a more comprehensive list with descriptions of the grape varietals, their taste characteristics and their preferred growing conditions etc.
Grape Varieties in Canada (winesofcanada.com)
With regards to where you might purchase any of these vines, plants will most likely be found in vine growing/wine producing regions, so here in Ontario the largest area would be Niagara. There are several large nurseries in the Niagara region that may regularly stock grape vines and if not, they may be able to order in what you want. Now is a good time to begin to contact nurseries for fall planting.
If this avenue is not fruitful, then contacting Landscape Ontario, Niagara College or the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture may yield results, see links below (contact information can be found on the home pages):
Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association – Landscape Ontario
Niagara Parks – School of Horticulture