HTM 4050 Lecture 2: Ontario History

• School: University of Guelph
• Department: Hospitality and Tourism Management
• Course: HTM 4050
• Professor: Melissa Pulvermacher

Document Summary

In the 17th century early settlers planted the native vine nitis labrusca. In 18th century settlers in essex country tried their luck at planting european vines, vitis vinifera. First commercial winery on pelee island in 1866. By late 1800s over 30 commercial wineries. European varietals prone to pests and humidity while native varietals flourished. Grape industry started in essex and shifted to niagara in 1900s, lake effect was ideal for growing. Prohibition in the usa ran from 1920-1933 and ontario wineries grew to 61. When repealed in usa, ontario govt placed a moratorium on new winery licences. In 1956 ontario has 6 million vines, dropped to 600,000 by 1974, 40% hybrids for better wine. In 1959 bill lenko saw the future and planted vinifer (chardonnay) 1975 inniskillin was granted first new winery licence in ontario since 1929 (don ziraldo and karl kasier)