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Jamie Quai crowned 2016 Grape King

Farm Credit Canada, the Grape Growers of Ontario and the Niagara Grape and Wine Festival are pleased to announce that Jamie Quai of Quai du Vin Estate Winery in St. Thomas, Ont., is the 2016 Grape King.

“Each year, the Grape King is chosen based on expertise of vineyard management and vineyard quality – the type of quality that builds consumer trust and is capable of meeting all the demands of a modern industry,” said John Geurtjens, Farm Credit Canada vice-president of operations. “That’s why we’re proud to be part of this announcement.”

“We are excited to have Jamie serve as the 2016 Grape King and be the ambassador for Ontario’s viticulture industry,” said Grape Growers of Ontario Chair, Matthias Oppenlaender.

“Jamie is a young, energetic individual with experience in all aspects of the grape and wine industry,” added Debbie Zimmerman, CEO of the Grape Growers of Ontario.

The Quai family is now in its third generation of grape growing in Elgin County. They have been growing grapes since 1972 and, in 1990, Jamie’s parents Roberto and Lisa Quai opened Quai Du Vin Estate Winery. There are currently 22 acres of vineyards, planted with Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Baco Noir, Marechal Foch, Vidal, Seyval Blanc, Sevye Villard, Aurore, Concord, Niagara, New York Muscat, and Ehrenfelser.

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 (CCOVI). During his time as a student, Jamie participated in 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 to 2016.

Jamie and his wife, Kim, have two sons, ages four and eight months.

As Grape King, Jamie will act as Ontario’s grape and wine industry ambassador at events across the country, including the 65th annual Grande Parade on September 24th at the Niagara Grape and Wine Festival.

Jamie Quai will be officially installed as the 61st Grape King on September 30 at Quai du Vin Estate Winery, 45811 Fruitridge Line, St. Thomas, Ont. Details and directions can be found at www.grapegrowersofontario.com.