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B.C. supports local wine industry, proclaims April Wine Month

On the heels of Alberta’s boycott of B.C. wines, the B.C. government is ramping up its support for the industry by proclaiming April as B.C. Wine Month, including a special month-long promotion at all public liquor stores.

“We are grateful for the loyalty and support we have received from the consumers across B.C. and Canada in response to Alberta’s announcement to boycott B.C. wine,” said Miles Prodan, president and CEO of the BC Wine Institute. “We appreciate the province’s quick response in support of B.C.’s wineries, and we remain resolute in our mission to secure sales opportunities here in B.C. for the many B.C. grape wineries across the province, most of which are small, family-owned-and-operated businesses, and will continue to promote our local world-class products at home and abroad.”

Along with the proclamation of B.C. Wine Month in April, other government initiatives in support of B.C.’s wine industry include:

• Increased opportunities to have B.C. wines in local BC Liquor Stores, including local wines from small and medium producers that are not typically available outside of the wineries.
• Promotion throughout the month with storefront displays.
• A greater variety of in-store tastings of B.C. wines.
• Funding for an expansion of the Buy BC: Eat Drink Local campaign, to further develop partnerships between the BC Wine Institute and the British Columbia Restaurant and Food Services Association.
• Funding to support the marketing of BC VQA wines to new international markets.

While the Province has worked to develop this support, the Ministry of Agriculture has been involved in ongoing engagement with wine producers throughout the province.