The Âé¶čAV Chamber of Commerce is raising a glass to the resumption of direct consumer wine sales between B.C. to Alberta.
Sales resumed six months after a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between the two provinces. It makes it easier for Albertans to buy B.C. wine, and ensures B.C. wineries pay their fair share of liquor sales tax in Alberta.
A Âé¶čAV Chamber media release states that its âGrapes of Wrathâ initiative, calling for open sales across provincial borders, was overwhelmingly adopted at the June 2024 BC Chamber Policy Conference.
âThis is a good move, and we believe our policy, which was taken to government in June of 2024, helped move the dial on getting the new agreement in place.â said Derek Gratz, Chamber vice-chair.
As of June 2024, there were 327 licensed grape wineries in B.C. And, B.C. residents can directly order from Albertaâs 16 wineries, which make 26 products, according to the Chamber release.
âIt absolutely helps,â said Lauren Skinner, director of sales and marketing, Painted Rock Estate Winery. âAt the end of the day, we all want to ship to Canadians. Itâs a move towards free trade.â