[imagebrowser id=3]
On May 3, 2012, a dynamic group of wine and trade enthusiasts joined us for OWIT-Ottawa’s first ever winetasting held at the offices of Blake, Cassels and Graydon LLP.
The event featured guest speakers Janet Dorozynski, the Global Practice Lead for Canadian Wine, Beer and Spirits at DFAIT, and Caroline Granger, President and CEO of The Grange of Prince Edward County Vineyards and Estate Winery, who led the group in tasting of some of The Grange’s finest wines (available at the LCBO under the label “Trumpour’s Mill”).
Ms. Granger also spoke about her experience in starting up and running her own business in the highly competitive domestic wine industry. With perseverance and a little bit of luck, she described how The Grange became the largest vineyard and winery in Prince Edward Country and the first winery from the region to be recognized by national and provincial awards. She also highlighted the important role that women play in her business and winemaking operation, and how international labour mobility laws can both impede and facilitate their participation.
Ms. Dorozynski spoke about her work in developing and promoting federal
government initiatives to assist Canadian producers in marketing their wines
abroad. Interestingly, she remarked that although Canadian wine producers focus predominantly on the domestic market, international recognition is a major factor that would, in turn, help them improve their performance at home. Currently, the Canadian wine industry is ranked 34th in the world in terms of production (similar to New Zealand and Uruguay), but only 78th in terms of exports. The main export markets for Canadian wine are Chicago, Hong Kong and New York City. Ms. Dorozynski works extensively with private sector advisory boards, associations and exporters, in order to promote the recognition of Canadian wine abroad.
Attendees of the event also enjoyed an exquisite sampling of chocolates and truffles from Stubbe, and the opportunity to learn more about how they are produced from the owner himself, Heinrich Stubbe and his wife Pilar Arjona.
Thank you to our generous sponsors of this event, including: Blake, Cassels and
Graydon LLP, The Commons Institute, Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP, The
Grange of Prince Edward County Vineyards and Estate Winery, Stubbe and Whatta Sandwich Deli & Catering.