This may not be a problem much longer...
Toronto Star - Jan. 22, 2004 Liberals like idea of stores showcasing Ontario wines ROBERT BENZIE QUEEN'S PARK BUREAU
The provincial government is considering opening specialty stores devoted to selling high-end Ontario wines.
Agriculture Minister Steve Peters said yesterday the Liberals are impressed by a private member's bill introduced by Conservative MPP Tim Hudak (Erie-Lincoln).
Under Hudak's legislation, Vintner's Quality Alliance (VQA) wineries, which make wine using grapes grown in Ontario, would be allowed to open shops selling a variety of elite brands.
"We're certainly supportive of moving in the direction of the establishment of the VQA stores and I'd like to work with Tim in moving his private member's bill through. I see it as something we do need to be supportive of to help grow the industry," Peters said, noting some trade issues may have to be resolved to allow the boutiques.
Peters noted that opening VQA stores would benefit farmers by promoting Ontario wine and bring increased tax revenue into provincial coffers.
Unlike Wine Rack stalls — located in scores of Ontario supermarkets but only selling brands such as Inniskillin, Jackson-Triggs and Sawmill Creek — the prestige stores would sell wine from many independent wineries.
And unlike the Liquor Control Board of Ontario, the outlets would be restricted to selling domestic wine.
Hudak, who first proposed the scheme when he was consumer and business services minister, said B.C. has had VQA stores for years. Ontario could initially set up stores in high traffic tourism areas, he said, noting a Niagara store could promote local product.
Small wineries have had difficulty getting their wines on shelves of the LCBO, which is dominated by budget products from Australia, South America and Europe. "There's definitely a need for this," said Daniel Lenko, whose Beamsville winery produces some of the best vintages in the province.