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When I started teaching at a university, the term “fine Ontario wine” was an oxymoron, and only 10 minutes of the entire course were devoted to review the industry. Some of my students were offended and complained, but there was little to say about Ontario wine then. Now 37 years later, a book is written about the evolution of the industry. Linda Bramble PhD, has done it, and did it very well. She must have spent considerable time interviewing people, and even more time examining archival documents. The time was overdue for someone to write about how the wine industry of this province has come such a long way in such a short time. |
In Europe it took centuries, and untold amounts of trial and error to determine what works in viticulture and viniculture. Here, it took only approximately four decades to achieve a high degree of expertise.
Granted, many immigrants helped the process by ignoring what scientists were telling them. Scientists were convinced that vitis vinifera could not be grown in Ontario successfully, but European immigrants proved them wrong.
In Europe winemaking started on a small scale, and most wineries were family operations that grew over time, then eventually they started exporting, particularly after the invention of bottles. Prior to that, wine was transported in barrels or containers and not for very long distances.
L. Bramble has managed to capture the essence of Ontario’s wine history well by focusing on individuals who have been instrumental in revolutionizing the industry.
While in Europe winemaking was a family affair and on a small scale, in North America and in Ontario it started on an industrial scale, mainly because by the time vineyards were planted there was already a substantial amount of information available and entrepreneurs wanted to get richer quickly. They preferred to produce a lot and sell at low cost taking advantage of volume sales
We can safely say that Ontario winemakers and winery owners today have taken advantage of the accumulated wisdom. They have also added to the treasury of wine growing and winemaking. This book tells the story, and tells it very well.
Anyone who drinks wine should read it to understand the intricacies of growing grapes, the politics, and how progressive thinkers managed to change the direction of winemaking in Ontario.
Even if you do not drink Ontario wine, all the more reason to read this book for it will convince you that a lot of Ontario products deserve the patronage of the citizens of Canada.
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Tags: Book, Linda Bramble, Niagara, WINE VISIONARIES
Johnny
December 28th, 2009 at 19:45
I have this book, and I think that evryone should read it.
steph
December 28th, 2009 at 21:54
I live in the Niagara region and this book is great… as is our wine
BUTLA
January 6th, 2010 at 16:00
I visited Niagara Peninsula region last month wish to have this book then.
Buy Wine
January 11th, 2010 at 02:29
I am new to the wine scene and it is nice to have a book recommended that explains the evolution of the industry. Thanks for sharing the review and recommending the book.
Aldred Chin
August 11th, 2010 at 07:36
Marvelous! Most of them are third rate Photo shop jobs at best. If they were real I would definitely buy it.
Sanjo Rodriguez
August 11th, 2010 at 07:41
I’m interested on reading that book. I’m planning to buy one.