The Ontario Grape Growers' Marketing Board provides maps and sales locations for viniferas and French hybrids available from 8,000 acres of Ontario vineyards. Working from fresh grapes or juice the winemaker has greater control over the quality and type of wine produced. With the current growing interest in the hobby of winemaking, supply stores have increased in number, making a great wealth of materials available to the adventurous home winemaker and home brewer. When a winemaker shares his successful product with friends and neighbors, the fermenting fever begins to spread. Soon a small group begins to meet on an informal basis to share recipes, to discuss common problems and to sample successes.
Local clubs divide their energies between tasting, education and social activities.
Each club finds the balance which is correct for its current membership. Tastings often include commercial wines to use as benchmarks when evaluating the wines made by the club members. Information about wine making and wine appreciation is provided by the more experienced club members and by invited guests. Social outings often include visits to commercial wineries and breweries. Most members find that the club is a place where friendly and helpful advice comes from their peer group.