Ten of B.C.'s finest VQA wines will be revealed by BC Liquor Stores on Oct. 12 in the 10th annual Best of BC VQA release.

Each year, the Liquor Distribution Branch's portfolio manager for B.C. wines selects a number of B.C. VQA wines that represent the best of what has become a world-class wine industry in British Columbia.

The wines in this year's selection have received accolades in wine-related publications, and included in the selection is a recipient of the 2013 Lieutenant Governor's Awards for Excellence in B.C. Wines.

To accompany the release of these wines, BC Liquor Stores produces a Best of BC VQA product guide that features tasting notes and prices for all ten wines. Also included is a 2010-2011 vintage report.

There is a limited supply released, so customers are advised to purchase their selection early and to be aware there is a two-bottle limit per customer placed on each of the wines. The Best of BC VQA wines will be available at all 21 Signature BC Liquor Stores as well as the Dunbar, Caulfeild, Peninsula Village and Brighouse locations.

On the eve of the release - Friday, Oct. 11 - BC Liquor Stores is holding a Best of BC Wine Seminar at the 39th and Cambie Signature BC Liquor Store in Vancouver that includes a tasting and an early opportunity to purchase wines from the release. Further details can be found here: http://www.bcliquorstores.com/event/best-bc-wine-seminar

Quick Facts:

• There are currently 248 wineries in British Columbia.
• A decade ago, the average vineyard size in B.C. was 5462 acres - today it is 9866 acres.
• The most planted white wine varietals are Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Gewurztraminer.
• The most planted red wine varietals are Merlot, Pinot Noir and Cabernet.

Media Contacts:

Vince Cournoyer
Communications Manager
Liquor Distribution Branch
604 252-2874
604 313-2295 (Cell)

Tarina Palmer
Senior Communications Program Officer
Liquor Distribution Branch
604 252-3028
604 362-4984 (Cell)