The Grape Growers of Ontario’s Celebrity Luncheon marks the opening of the Niagara Grape and Wine Festival by showcasing Canadian personalities and celebrating the annual grape harvest.
This year, in partnership with Meridian Credit Union, Ontario’s largest credit union and the third largest in Canada, the Grape Growers of Ontario welcomes one of the most decorated female athletes in Olympics history, Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser.
Wickenheiser is a four-time Canadian Olympic gold medallist in hockey, a six-time Olympian in two sports (hockey and softball), and a trailblazer in the world of sport and leadership. Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a first-ballot nominee, Wickenheiser has also made history as the first woman to register a point in a men’s professional hockey game and to participate in or coach at four NHL development camps.
She is the Assistant General Manager of Player Development for the Toronto Maple Leafs, and also practices family and emergency medicine and inspires audiences as a bestselling author, speaker, and leader. Recognized globally for both her athletic excellence and community service, Wickenheiser has been named one of Sports Illustrated’s “Top 25 Toughest Athletes in the World” and twice appeared on their “Power 50 in Sports” list.
She is a recipient of Canada’s highest civilian honour, the Order of Canada, and has been inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, Canada’s Walk of Fame, and the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame.
Her commitment to giving back is reflected through her involvement in numerous charitable organizations, including Right to Play, Jumpstart, Project North, and KidSport, and through her founding of the Canadian Tire Wickenheiser World Female Hockey Festival, which mentors young athletes from around the world. Wickenheiser also holds several honorary degrees and a master’s in kinesiology from the University of Calgary, where she studied medicine.
“Meridian is proud to once again serve as the primary sponsor of the Grape Growers of Ontario’s Annual Celebrity Luncheon. This event is a cherished tradition that celebrates the dedication and innovation of Ontario’s grape growers and the vibrant communities they support. Our continued partnership reflects Meridian’s commitment to fostering growth and prosperity in the agri-food sector and across the province. We look forward to another inspiring afternoon recognizing the achievements of this vital industry,” stated Stephen Otten, Regional Vice-President, Business Banking, Meridian Credit Union.
“We are honoured to welcome Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser to the Grape Growers of Ontario Celebrity Luncheon on September 17th as we kick off the 2025 Grape and Wine Festival. Her remarkable achievements and commitment to leadership, community, and excellence make her an inspiring addition to this year’s celebration,” added Debbie Zimmerman, the Chief Executive Officer of the Grape Growers of Ontario.
The Grape Growers of Ontario represents over 500 actively producing grape-growing families in the province. Some 18,000 acres of vineyards are planted across the province’s three designated viticulture areas: Niagara Peninsula, Lake Erie North Shore, Prince Edward County, and emerging regions.
The Grape Growers of Ontario’s Celebrity Luncheon will be held on September 17, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at Club Roma in St. Catharines. Ticket order forms are available at www.grapegrowersofontario.com or by contacting the GGO Board office at (905) 688-0990 or via email at info@grapegrowersofontario.com.