In 1971, Frank and Susan Pohorly purchased a plot of land just off the Niagara River Parkway, with the goal of joining the many others across Niagara-on-the-Lake who were running farms of their own.
From there, they created Riverbend Farms Inc., a family business built from scratch, where they also raised their son, Steve Pohorly.
Today, Pohorly is the manager of the family farm, which spans 50 acres of land, including 30 acres of wine grape vineyards. On Sept. 16, it’s where he was officially installed as this year’s Grape King of Ontario.
“I’m proud to be carrying on that torch,” he told The Lake Report.
Being selected as Grape King by the Grape Growers of Ontario is about more than agriculture, he said.
“It’s not just about farming, it’s about involvement with the industry and innovation. It has a lot to do with growing grapes but it’s also a lot to do with your involvement in the community as well.”
Pohorly has served as a director with the provincial grape growers association for almost 20 years and sits on several committees, including Ontario Grape and Wine Research Incorporated and the Niagara Peninsula Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association.
Debbie Zimmerman, CEO of the Grape Growers of Ontario, said in a media release that the Grape King mantle, a tradition that’s been around for 70 years, recognizes growers who demonstrate outstanding vineyard management, industry knowledge and a commitment to their community.
“Steve embodies those qualities, and we look forward to seeing him represent Ontario’s grape and wine industry throughout the year ahead,” she said.
Looking forward to his new role, Pohorly anticipates a heavier workload and is ready to take it on.
“It was obviously a huge honour to be selected,” he said.
He said he hopes to continue the hard work of the Grape Kings who came before him.
“They’re great growers but they’re also involved in the farming community and the community at large and they’ve become ambassadors for Ontario wine,” he said.
One of grape growers’ biggest struggles this year has been unpredictable weather, but Pohorly said overcoming flooding and rain shows the resiliency of Ontario growers.
He said he wants to ensure Canadians know the quality of wine from Niagara.
“Our homegrown VQA wines can stand shoulder to shoulder with any wine region in the world,” he said.
With increased tariffs on alcohol imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, Pohorly said the bright side is that Canadians want to support homegrown products now more than ever.
Right now, his favourite bottle of wine is the 2025 Sauvignon Blanc from Inniskillin.
“Those are 100 per cent out grapes in that bottle, so it’s definitely one I reach for,” he said.
Growing up and working in NOTL, Pohorly said he is grateful for the tight-knit community of grape growers who look out for one another.
“We’re not cutthroat, we’re not rivals. We’re here to help each other out, pick each other up,” he said.
“We all know that every bottle of wine that we produce has to be great for everyone to succeed.”
Pohorly wished to share the honour with the entire Riverbend team, including parents, farmworkers Chris and Craig, wife Breanne and children Maelle and Harrison.
“It’s a team effort and I represent our entire farm family.”
