Third-generation grape framer Jeff Duc was helped by his father and business partner, Ray Duc, into the ceremonial Grape King jacket at a reception on his Concession 2 front lawn on Wednesday.
Surrounded by friends, family, and 20 past Grape Kings, Duc said, “I can't tell you how great it feels to bring this jacket back to the family farm.”
Duc’s grandfather, Jack Forrer, was Grape King in 1972 when the size of the farm was 100 acres.
“I grew up on the farm helping Dad manage the land and my parents will tell you that I knew when I was really young that this is what I’ve always wanted to do.”
Forrer Farms has grown to 250 acres of vineyards with varieties including Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Gamay, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon, Merlot, and some hybrids. They also produce icewine.
“Growing grapes can be challenging, but it's those challenges that keep the job interesting and engaging. Every year is different,” said Duc. “It's amazing to think how far the grape growing business has come in the past 52 years.”
Something changes every season and we understand a lot more now about growing grapes, sustainably and how technology can help us better grow a better crop.”
“Still,” he said, “with all the technology and mechanization, there's a lot of hard work that needs to be done.”
“We are lucky enough to have 10 great guys from Jamaica working for us, a few of them have been working for our family 30 years. We would not be able to produce the high quality fruit we do without all their hard work.”
Duc also thanked his wife Beth, for her support and for always making sure their children, Abby and Michael, “get where they need to be, on time, with the right equipment.”
The Grape King was first crowned in 1956 and every year since then. Exemplifying excellence in the vineyard, the Grape King, or Grape Grower of the Year, acts as an ambassador for growers across the province.
