American wines are being pulled off the shelves across Canada, retaliation for the tariffs imposed by the U.S. earlier this week.
So might this prove to be an opportunity for Canadian wines?
Joining us now… our resident wine expert… Natalie MacLean.
How popular are American wines in Canada? In Quebec, for example, are French and Italian wines more popular?
In the SAQ, the US ranks fourth for wine sales after France, Italy and Spain, representing $85 million a year, mostly from California, Oregon, and Washington, and not counting as well as Kentucky bourbon and other American spirits.
How much of a hit would this be for the American wine industry? ($1 billion for all alcohol in Ontario)
Beyond the $85 million in sales, this could inflict long-term damage to American brands.
As Kentucky governor Andy Beshear noted, not selling the product at all is a thousand times worse than having a tariff on it.
When consumers are forced to seek alternatives to their favourite brands, they may discover other drinks they like as much or more and may never return to those brands.
Does this present an opportunity for the industry here in Canada?
Almost 90% of what the SAQ sells is imported so I see this as an opportunity to expand sales of Quebec and other Canadian wines, ciders and spirits.
It’s so difficult for small Canadian producers to get listed in the SAQ and other store chains because the US, France, Spain and Italy have government backing and millions in funding.
Yet there’s definitely an unmet demand given that a large percentage of wine tourism both in this province and to Ontario is from Quebec residents.
Not only can the SAQ increase choice on the shelves, but they can also implement the successful direct-to-consumer model that BC and Alberta recently legalized, where the two provinces are now shipping product directly to consumers across their borders.
As I understand it, that’s underway now. And that’s great because wines made in the various provinces differ so greatly and the beauty of wine is in its wild diversity of taste.
Every bottle of 100% Canadian wine or spirits contributes $90 to our economy versus just $16 for an imported bottle, injecting more than $20 billion every year and creating 85,000 jobs, often in rural areas on family-run farms.
For people who will miss their California Cabernet or Kentucky Bourbon, what alternatives do they have?
Coteau Rougemont Vidal Réserve
Monteregie, Quebec, Canada
If you love a crisp California Sauvignon Blanc, try an equally zesty Vidal or cider from Quebec’s Cote Rougemont.
Henry of Pelham Old Vines Baco Noir
Ontario V.Q.A., Canada
If you’re thirsting for a full-bodied California Cabernet, try a robust Baco Noir from Henry of Pelham in Niagara.
Top Shelf Distillers Rideau Whisky
Lanark County, Ontario, Canada
Top Shelf Distillers Reunion Butter Tart Moonshine
Perth, Ontario, Canada
Kentucky Bourbon fans will love Butter Tart Moonshine from Top Shelf Distillers in Ottawa or their Rideau Whisky. Ask for more Canada.
Posted with permission of CTV News.
