“Many years ago, grape growing and wine making were part of the agricultural industry in Colchester South and Essex County, but the dollar incentive for tobacco brought a decline in grape growing. Master vintner, Carlo Negri from nor­thern Italy, began preparing this area for the wine industry in the late 1970s. In 1980, Colio Wines began operations in Harrow with a quality which was recognized across Ontario.” p83

​

Since then, the wine industry in Colchester South has exploded and the 14 local wineries play a large role in tourism and work together to form EPIC Wineries.

​