Meritage VQA by Pelee Island Winery 2016

Pelee Island houses a farm spanning over 700 acres in Canada's warmest grape-growing region, boasting a winemaking legacy of over 150 years. The control over the grape supply empowers them to nurture each vine according to the precise specifications set by the World Wildlife Fund's stringent sustainable vineyard practices.

Benefiting from unparalleled heat units and frost-free days not found elsewhere in Canada, the island naturally attracts Vinifera grape cultivation. The Toledo clay soil, with a limestone base located two to ten feet below the surface, is well-developed and rich in calcium, indicating excellent fertility and robust biological activity. The optimal vineyards, situated at the island's center, feature deeper soils that promote well-established root systems. The lake winds ensure consistent air circulation through the vineyards, mitigating humidity and potential fungal diseases.

Pelee Island Winery, a founding member of Sustainable Winemaking Ontario, is dedicated to environmental enhancement through sustainable practices in both their wineries and vineyards. They adopt a proactive approach to maintain and improve the fortunate microclimate they enjoy. This commitment commences in the vineyards, where their viticulturist, Brian Evers, follows an integrated pest management protocol developed with support from the World Wildlife Fund Canada (WWF). Brian regularly monitors the vine and clay soil health, and the vineyards uphold elevated standards through limited use of ecologically responsible pesticide spraying and the utilization of 'all-natural' island-grown fertilizers—going above and beyond existing regulations and guidelines.