Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA)
An independent Canadian regulatory organization implemented to improve the quality of Canadian wines. The VQA is currently established in two provinces, Ontario and British Columbia, but there are efforts underway to add Quebec and Nova Scotia to the list. The VQA establishes standards at a provincial level and for approved designated viticultural areas (VA). winery participation in the VQA system is voluntary, but it’s required if the winery wants to label their wines with the VA designation or with the VQA symbol, which indicates wine has been certified. Use of terms like “Icewine” or “Estate Bottled” is also restricted because they have precise definitions under the VQA authority. The certification process is fairly strict—it requires extensive record keeping on the wine seeking approval, as well as a blind tasting by a panel of experts looking for defects. There are numerous other rules, such as the percentage of wine required from the growing area and Brix levels for grapes. The Canadian VQA system’s rules are much closer to the French Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC or AC) and far more demanding than the American Viticultural Area in the United States where wine quality is not addressed.
The New Wine Lovers Companion, 2nd Edition, by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Copyright © (1) 2003, 1995 by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Reprinted by arrangement with Barron's Educational Series, Inc.