What is the required percentage of grapes that must come from Ontario or British Columbia to label as VQA?

To label a wine as VQA (Vintners Quality Alliance) in Canada, it is essential that 100% of the grapes used in the production of that wine originate from the designated region specified on the label, whether it be from Ontario or British Columbia. This stringent requirement ensures that the wine reflects the unique terroir and characteristics of the region it claims to represent.

The VQA system is designed to protect the integrity of Canadian wines and to guarantee quality standards. As a result, producers must adhere to these regulations to maintain the VQA designation and uphold consumer trust in the authenticity and quality of their products. The requirement for 100% of the grapes being locally sourced is a hallmark of the VQA certification, distinguishing it from other designations that may allow blending with grapes from outside the specified region.