Board of Directors

List of directors and scheduled meeting times
VQA Ontario's Wine Appellation Authority is a not for profit corporation managed by a Board of Directors. Nine Directors are elected from winery members and one each from the Ontario government, the Grape Growers of Ontario and the Ontario Restaurant, Hotel and Motel Association.

Of the elected Directors, 3 each are elected from large, medium and small class wineries with VQA wine sales of over 750,000 litres, 100,000 to 750,000 litres and under 100,000 litres respectively. Provision is also made for regional representation.

Board of Directors List - July 2020

Brian Schmidt (President & Chair)
Vineland Estates Winery
Ken Douglas (Past Chair)
The Thirteenth Street Wine Corp.
Louise Engel (Vice Chair)
Featherstone Estate Winery
Derek Cartlidge (Treasurer)
Colio Estates Winery
Martin Werner (Secretary)
Ravine Vineyard
Greg Berti
Andrew Peller Ltd.
Tony Elenis
Ontario Restaurant, Hotel and Motel Association
Jennifer Hart
Flat Rock Cellars
Paul Kassebaum
Arterra Wines
Mary Shenstone
Government of Ontario
Paul Speck
Henry of Pelham
Dan Sullivan
Rosehall Run Vineyards
Kevin Watson
Grape Growers of Ontario

The Board of Directors is responsible for the governance and strategic direction for VQA Ontario. It oversees management and ensures effective policies are in place to carry out the regulatory and corporate functions of the organization.

The Board of Directors meets 6 times annually

An Annual General Meeting is help each year in July, open to the public and providing all member wineries to elect Directors and participate in the governance process.