Who we are
Ontario grape industry
Ontario wine industry
Events
Who we are 
Ontario Grape Industry
Ontario Wine Industry
Events
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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
Jeff Duc
Erwin Wiens
Ben Froese
John Fedorkow
Chris Van de Laar
Doug Whitty
Jamie Quai
Jamie Slingerland
List of previous Grape Kings
Jeff Duc is a third-generation grower in Niagara-on-the-Lake, managing the farm alongside his dad at Forrer Farms. They operate approximately 250 acres of vineyards with varieties including Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Gamay, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon, Merlot, and some hybrids. They also produce Icewine.
Between high school and college, Jeff travelled to Australia and did harvest work for a winery in the small wine region of Mudgee. After returning from Australia, he graduated from the Niagara College Wine and Viticulture program, where he met his wife, Beth. They have two children, Abby and Michael. Abby is in 11th grade and has spent two summers working on the farm. Michael is in 5th grade; he is too young to know if he will be interested in farming or not. Jeff is proud and honoured to raise his kids on the farm and in the same house where he grew up.
In addition to managing the vineyard, Jeff is an avid sports lover who has been involved in minor hockey for the past twenty years. Jeff has coached Niagara-on-the-Lake minor hockey and the Brock Junior Badgers girls’ hockey organization during this time. In the summer months, Jeff coaches for the Niagara-on-the-Lake minor softball league.
Jeff is a valuable member of the Board of Directors of the Grape Growers of Ontario and the Board of Directors of the Niagara Peninsula Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association, and is involved in multiple committees for both Boards.
Jeff Duc was officially installed as the 67th Grape King on Wednesday, September 18th.
(pictured – credit Denis Cahill)
