TORONTO, Nov. 29, 2018 /CNW/ - Celebrating "rebellious vines and independent winemakers", a media event is being held Wednesday, December 5th from 2:30 until 4:30 to celebrate two great events. The first is the overlap of two great anniversaries relevant to the Ontario wine scene, the 50th anniversary of the Amateur Winemakers Of Ontario, and the 25th anniversary of Fermentations!, whose mission it has been to make available to passionate winemakers exceptional grapes from the great terroirs of the world, not just from Niagara, but from the distinctive terroir of Spain's Montsant Appellation.The second is the joint donation of $750.00 from the Amateur Winemakers of Ontario (AWO) and Fermentations! to Niagara College for a deserving student in the Winery and Viticulture program.
Put your taste buds to the test at a media only tasting of exceptional wines produced by rebellious vines, and independent winemakers. The event takes place at 152 Annette Street unit 211 in Toronto.
With all of the great successes amateurs have had following their passion, pushing the envelope of grape growing and winemaking in Ontario, it can be easily argued that there would not be an Ontario winery industry as vibrant as it is now if it were not for AWO members taking the plunge and opening successful Ontario wineries. In the 1980s and 1990s, Jim Warren an amateur turned pro put Stoney Ridge on the map, and Ron Spreranzini, another amateur turned pro, made Willow Heights Estate Winery a great success. Ron continues to give back to the Ontario wine industry, teaching for many years at Niagara College as well. Among others, wineries such as Darius Estates, and Karlo Estates in Prince Edward County owe their existence to the passion and winemaking skills of amateurs turned pro, while Kacaba Vineyards and Winery have John Tumon, a former AWO member at the winemaking helm.
Fermentations! proudly make available grapes from Ontario to its clients, as well as harvesting, importing and distributing grapes from Montsant in Spain to home winemakers. Charles Fajgenbaum, owner and winemaker for Fermentations! is also an Amateur Winemakers of Ontario member, and current President of the Central Toronto Wine Guild chapter of the AWO. Charles holds a senior Grand Master Vintner designation, based on points awarded in the provincial competition judged by the Wine Judges of Canada.
Representing the AWO is Clive Woolner, current President the Amateur Winemakers Of Ontario, and former vice President of the Amateur Winemakers of Canada. The AWO is the umbrella organization for amateur winemakers, currently organised into 29 clubs across Ontario.
Joan Pujades, owner of Mas de la Caçadora in the Montsant Appellation of Spain where Fermentations! sources its grapes will be in attendance. An independent minded winemaker, Joan took vineyards that had been family held for almost 100 years, selling grapes to the local coop, improved the viticulture, and opened up a very well respected winery, winning numerous awards, and being often featured in Spain's top wine guide, Guia Peñin.
Please confirm your presence at this great event, and take the time to taste the fruits of passionate winemakers' efforts, while we celebrate 2 important anniversaries, and a donation to Niagara College.
SOURCE Fermentations
RSVP/Media Contact: Charles Fajgenbaum, 416 526 9856, email [email protected]
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