Winery & Grower Alliance of Ontario elect Del Rollo of Constellation Brands Canada to Chair of the Board

Niagara, ON, July 5, 2016 /CNW/ - The Board of Directors of the Winery & Grower Alliance of Ontario (WGAO) announced the election of Del Rollo, Senior Director, Government Relations and Estates of Constellation Brands Canada as the new Chair of the Board.  

As Director of Hospitality for both Jackson-Triggs and Inniskillin Estate Wineries, Del has raised the bar, not only with his ongoing passion to drive international awareness of the Niagara region, but also his commitment to showcase the hard-work of the areas many growers, wineries, educational institutions and hospitality partners.  His work recently earned him the 2015 Spirit of Niagara, Celia Liu Award for Excellence in Hospitality.  Del currently sits on a number of industry boards including Ontario Grape and Wine Research and the Niagara College, Board of Governors.

"I am delighted to become Chair of WGAO, that represents both leading wineries and grape growers in Ontario," said Rollo.  "With all the changes underway in the province, it is more important than ever to be fully engaged in the Ontario wine industry as we create more than $3 billion in economic impact, 14,000 jobs and $644 million in tourism contribution to the province," added Rollo. 

The Board would also like to thank Jim Clark, President, Colio Estate Wines, who has been Chair for the past three years and helped guide the organization and industry through major transitions in the market place.

Tom O'Brien, Proprietor, Cooper's Hawk Vineyards and the representative from Essex Pelee Island Coast (EPIC) Regional Association was elected Vice Chair and Rob Enns, P.G. Enns Farms, grower member became Secretary/Treasurer. 

"We continue to be focused on the growth of the entire wine industry through improved government policy and regulation to increase Ontario wine sales and create continuing demand for Ontario grown grapes," said Patrick Gedge, President and CEO, WGAO.

About the WGAO

The Winery & Grower Alliance of Ontario (WGAO) is a trade association of leading wineries and grape growers working together to ensure the entire Ontario wine industry is robust, sustainable and profitable.

WGAO members produce over 85% of all the wine in Ontario, including both Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) and International Canadian Blends (ICB) wine.  They also purchase over 85% of the grapes grown by independent farmers in the province.

SOURCE Winery & Grower Alliance of Ontario

Patrick Gedge, President & CEO, Winery & Grower Alliance of Ontario, Phone [phone], Cell [phone]