Customers at a British Columbia winery. (submitted photo/B.C. Wine Growers)

By Vernon Matters Staff

industry support

B.C. Wine Growers applaud BC Liquor Store ban on U.S. products

Mar 11, 2025 | 7:43 AM

Wine Growers B.C. is giving its full backing to the B.C. government’s move to pull all U.S. alcohol off B.C. Liquor Store shelves in response to threatened trade tariffs from President Donald Trump.

It said the move ensures B.C.’s wine industry receives the priority it deserves amid challenging economic conditions and puts the interests of the province’s wine industry front and center.

It added by removing U.S. wine, liquor stores can provide local wineries with a fair opportunity to meet demand and recover from the challenges of the past year.

In a media release Wine Growers B.C. said, in part, that they applauded the government’s move.

“It’s particularly important as our wineries are still recovering from the devastating cold snap of January 2024, which caused significant damage to our vineyards,” Paul Sawler, Chair of Wine Growers B.C., said. ” This extra shelf space is vital for our local producers to regain lost ground and rebuild their businesses.”

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“We are seeing increased demand for B.C. wines,” added Mark Sheridan, Hester Creek Estate Winery. “By removing U.S. wine from the shelves, B.C. Liquor Stores can provide local B.C. wineries with a fair opportunity to meet demand and recover from the challenges of the past year. This is a critical moment for our industry, and this decision meaningfully supports both our producers and the local economy. Thank you Premier Eby for putting Team Canada first.”