Grape Growers of Ontario and Farm Credit Canada are pleased to announce that Lincoln vineyard manager Augusta Van Muyen has been chosen by her peers as the 2025-2026 Grape King.
“Augusta has accomplished an enormous amount in her time as Vineyard Manager at Tawse. She is the fourth female Grape King to be honoured, and her knowledge of grape growing is the perfect blend for our industry’s ambassador,” says Grape Growers of Ontario Chair Matthias Oppenlaender.
“The annual crowning of the Grape King is a timehonoured tradition that began in 1956 to recognize exemplary vineyard management and understanding of the industry. Augusta exemplifies the very best standard of what it means to be a great grape grower,” says Debbie Zimmerman, CEO of the Grape Growers of Ontario.
“FCC is pleased to support the tradition of naming an Ontario Grape King and with it, celebrating the best in the business,” said Clinton Buttar, Ontario vice-president commercial and small business at
Farm Credit Canada. “At FCC, we admire the passion that goes into every vineyard, every harvest, and every bottle. Congratulations to all the past Grape and Kings, and special toast to the 2025-2026 Grape King, Augusta Van Muyen”.
The Grape King carries the distinction of being nominated by their peers and selected by industry judges who visit each of the nominated vineyards. The Grape King serves as a representative for Ontario’s grape and wine industry at events across the country, starting with the annual Grande Parade on Sep. 27 at the Niagara Grape and Wine Festival and the Mayor’s Invitational Grape Stomp on Sep. 28 in Montebello Park.
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