Board of Directors

Message from the Chair, Matthias Oppenlaender

Grape growers are stewards of the land who carefully tend our grapes to perfection, growing vinifera and hybrid grapes for Ontario’s premium wine; as well as Concord and Niagara grapes that create delicious grape juice. 

My wife Monica and I, along with our five children, live in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario where we nurture almost 400 acres of Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Cabernet Franc, Gamay, Sauvignon Blanc, Baco Noir and Vidal vineyards.

As Chair of the Grape Growers of Ontario, I look forward to continuing to serve and represent my fellow growers, with a focus on working with our industry partners and government to continue strengthening Ontario’s grape and wine industry.

-Matthias Oppenlaender, Chair

Officers & Directors 2022-2023:

Chair:
Matthias Oppenlaender

Vice Chair:
Kevin Watson

C.E.O.
Debbie Zimmerman

Directors:
Doug Funk Jr.
Will George
Robert Peck
Steve Pohorly
Brock Puddicombe
Joe Schenck
Erwin Wiens
Murray Wilson

Learn more about our committee

 

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Resources for grape growers

Newsroom

Erwin Wiens Named 2023 Grape King

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Wines Of Ontario's Legislative Assembly For 2024

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‘Failure not an option’ as Niagara grape growers face largest surplus since 2008

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