The president of one local winery says proposed changes to inter-provincial alcohol sales is a step in the right direction.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford proposed legislation Wednesday that would allow direct-to-consumer alcohol sales with reciprocating provinces and territories.
"This was basically just a roadblock for smaller wineries or boutique wineries that really benefit from that direct-to-consumer style of sale, and it's just been a roadblock in their way and it's not really material to the liquor boards," said Steve Mitchell, President of Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery.
Mitchell said they may not experience a large boost in sales, but anything that helps get their wines to consumers across the country is a good thing.
"For wineries that see a lot of wine club type sales as opposed to selling into LCBOs or retailers and that type of thing, there's going to be a bigger benefit," said Mitchell.
Right now, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia have made reciprocity agreements.
Mitchell indicated local wineries would benefit most if the province reached an agreement with Quebec.
"We'll get drivers and people who bring RVs from Quebec, and they're great customers, so I think the hope is that there will be a reciprocal agreement with Quebec," said Mitchell.
Since LCBOs took products from the United States off the shelves, Mitchell has noticed an increase in sales.
"How much of it is the fact that the California wines are gone and now people are searching for something new? How much of it is patriotism, people wanting to support Canada and purchase products from Canada? I don't know exactly," said Mitchell.
He said he's already seen liquor boards across the country putting calls out for more Canadian products.
