Who we are
Ontario grape industry
Ontario wine industry
Who we are 
Ontario Grape Industry
Ontario Wine Industry
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The Grape King represents a 66-year tradition in Ontario’s grape and wine industry that dates back to 1956. The title of Grape King, or Grape Grower of the Year, is bestowed upon an Ontario grape grower who exemplifies excellence in the vineyard.
Nominees for Grape King must have a working knowledge of vineyard management and the grape growing industry. Nominated vineyards are judged by industry experts from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and the University of Guelph. They are rated on a point system based on the following criteria: Cultivars, Diseases, Insects, Weed Control, Soil Management, Canopy Management, Overall Quality of Vineyard, Outreach, and Miscellaneous.
The Grape King is an ambassador and an advocate for all grape growers across Ontario as the grape and wine industry continues to move forward.
Grape King
Erwin Wiens
Ben Froese
John Fedorkow
Chris Van de Laar
Doug Whitty
Jamie Quai
Jamie Slingerland
List of previous Grape Kings
The Quai family is now in its third generation of grape growing in Elgin County. Nestled on the eastern edge of the Lake Erie North Shore appellation, and bordering the emerging South Coast wine region; the Quai family have been growing grapes since 1972. The Quai’s currently grow: Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Baco Noir, Marechal Foch, Vidal, Seyval Blanc, Sevye Villard, Aurore, Concord, Niagara, New York Muscat, and Ehrenfelser.
In 1990, Jamie’s parents Roberto and Lisa Quai opened Quai Du Vin Estate Winery. What started as the one of earliest winery licences issued in the modern Ontario wine industry, has evolved into an operation that sells 2,500 cases per year, sold exclusively via cellar door. Over the last decade Jamie has worked in almost every facet of Quai Du Vin. His current titles include Co-Proprietor, Vigneron, and Winemaker.
Jamie attended Brock University studying Oenology and Viticulture at the Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute. During his time as a student, Jamie worked three commercial harvests in the Niagara Peninsula. His experience includes time in both craft wineries and larger scale operations. Jamie remained actively involved in CCOVI as the Instructor for OEVI 3P21: Wine Processing and Equipment from 2007-2016.
Jamie is happily married to Kim, an elementary school teacher with the London Waldorf School, and together they are raising their two sons: Gavin and Nicklaas