At the beginning of April 2015, government made it possible for grocery stores to begin selling #BCWine on their shelves – and now, with the holiday season in full swing, it’s clear these changes are working for customers and industry alike.

The sale of 100% B.C. wine right off the shelf allows British Columbians to grab a bottle of local wine to go along with their meal, to take to a party, or to gift to someone special, without having to make an extra trip.

The new model is also providing customers with access to bottles of wine from lesser-known producers that aren’t available at BC Liquor Stores or many other liquor outlets, which helps broaden their knowledge of B.C. products, while at the same time buying local.

For example, the Langley Save-On-Foods carries more than 900 varieties of 100% B.C. wine from more than 150 wineries in the province. The Surrey South Point Save-On-Foods has almost 700 types of wine manufactured by small to medium-sized wineries that account for around 50% of their grocery sales, according to the British Columbia Wine Institute.

Today, there are four stores selling wine off the grocery store shelf in B.C.’s lower mainland at Overwaitea Food’s group stores in Delta, Langley and Surrey – offering a certified sommelier at each, helping customers decide which wine works for them. We are continuing to protect consumers by ensuring that any grocery stores selling wine are doing so using designated tills by employees who have Serving it Right training.

Winery success in B.C.

Since the beginning of the year, 33 new wineries received their licence to make wine in B.C. That brings us to more than 300 in the province – many of which are small- and medium-scale producers.

Quotes:

Coralee Oakes, Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction and Responsible for the Liquor Distribution Branch –

“Modernizing B.C.’s liquor laws has given consumers more choice, while continuing to protect public safety and supporting business in B.C.

“This model focuses on common sense changes that give British Columbians more places to access B.C.’s amazing wine products, while at the same time supporting the burgeoning wine industry and supporting our economy.

“Encouraging small businesses and job creation, while providing flexibility and choice for consumers, continues to be top of mind as we work to ensure a made in B.C. approach.”

John Yap, Parliamentary Secretary for Liquor Policy Reform –

“Throughout my recent consultations with stakeholders, I heard loud and clear that consumers and manufacturers wanted more choice. The retail model for wine on grocery store shelves – which is limited to 100% B.C. wines – is helping to create new opportunities for B.C.’s wine producers, grape growers and consumers alike.”

Learn More:

For a list of proposed new locations for wine and liquor retail stores (re-locations of existing stores) visit: www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/lclb/licensed/liquor_retail_location.htm

Connect and join the conversation:

Twitter:

• @BCGovNews
• @CoraleeOakes
• @winebcdotcom

Hashtags:

• #BCLiquor
• #BCWine