To learn about the great Millenium Smokeout in Aylmer visit this site!
Association des Viticulteurs de l'Est ontarien (Alfred) or the AVEO Vignobles site
was created in 1998 by a few amateur grape
growers in the Ottawa Valley. The AVEO is supported by
the
College d'Alfred of the University of Guelph
. Dr.
Helen Fisher (Director of Vineland Research Center)
also gave us a good push at the beginning. Some wine
growers have now over 5000-10000 vines and the Wine
Industry is developing fast in Eastern Ontario and
Western Quebec. We finally have lots of support from the
Quebec and Ontario wine Industry. EMail AVEO
DALE BJORGAN In May, 1999 I started my experiment near Perth, Ontario: 100 plants
purchased from Euro Nursery, in Niagara: 25 each of Foch, Baco Noir,
Vidal and 318 GM. As of May 7, 2000, about 50-60 % have shown buds, and
have been pruned- I'm hoping to see the rest appear in the next few
days. I have prepared additional soil and trellis for this year's
order- 25 each of Foch , Baco Noir and Concord, and 50 Bianca, again on
the advice of Euro Nursery. The vines that I was able to bury (1-2 per
plant, 3-4 cm. deep only) seem to be relatively healthy, and I can
imagine having to bury the main trunk next Fall .I've committed publicly
only to having a vineyard, but of course am hoping to be sipping my own
some day.
Email Dale Bjorgan
DAVID GERRARD David's family once owned a riverside farm in Hungary where his grandfather was the operator of a small regional vineyard. That farm and his grandfather are no longer with his family, but his passion for big red wines and light floral whites has carried on.With wife Jo Anne he is engaged in a small vineyard project on their farm - PaleSun. PaleSun Vineyard got its name and first planting in the summer of 2000. It is located on their farm in the Ross burough of WhiteWater Township, Renfrew County. Rocky, sandy, neutral red loam on an isolated meadow slope provides easy working conditions and wonderful peace away from the rumbling world.
Experimental trials of French hybrids including Baco Noir, DeChaunac, Foch, GM-318, and oooops Vidal are under way. Certain Minnesota hybrids are also contemplated for the future as well as some munching fruit. PaleSun will try to find a balance between home vineyard and commercial venture. I am working with a growing group of enthusiasts in developing a "Co-op" vineyard. The plan would be to some day produce a modest crop of quality product for the wine making needs of a small number of members.
PaleSun vineyard is a part of a larger land developement project which also includes shoreline, environmental, wetland and agricultural spaces. Email David Gerrard
www.littlefatwino.com