It's official: Ontario wineries open for business Easter weekend

NIAGARA, ON, April 15, 2014 /CNW/ - Ontarians looking for a unique way to celebrate Easter can now add wine tasting and touring to their list of things to do. Wine Country Ontario is pleased to announce that, for the first time ever, Ontario wineries have the option to remain open for business throughout the entire Easter holiday weekend.

"Ontario wineries are thrilled to finally be able to welcome visitors over the Easter long weekend," said Allan Schmidt, Chair of the Wine Council of Ontario. "As an industry that relies heavily on tourism, this is an important milestone for Ontario's designated wine regions. And while not all wineries will choose to remain open, we expect many to do so."

Changes to provincial regulations, developed with the collaboration of industry and the Attorney General of Ontario, rescinded long standing rules against winery openings on a few key dates.  Good Friday and Easter Sunday were two dates that were part of those changes.

Wine Country Ontario urges visitors to check individual winery websites to confirm hours of operation, as well as discover any special events that may be taking place during that time.

"With so much to sip and savour in Wine Country Ontario, we're confident families will see this as an opportunity to spend time together and create new Easter traditions. We welcome them with open arms," added Schmidt.

Wine Country Ontario is dedicated to promoting Ontario's wine-growing regions—from the wines and wineries themselves to the complete experience of each destination: local cuisine, year-round activities and warm hospitality. Wine Country Ontario promotes Ontario's vintners and the unique qualities of our authentic, 100% VQA wines.

For more information on the Wine Country Ontario visit www.winecountryontario.ca.

SOURCE: Wine Council of Ontario

Media contact: Magdalena Kaiser-Smit, Director of Public Relations - Marketing & Tourism Wine Council of Ontario for "Wine Country Ontario" www.winecountryontario.ca, Twitter @winecountryont, Cell: 905-246-1922 (Best number), 905-562-8070 ext. 228, [email protected]