Alberta wine clubs, retailers feeling short-poured over B.C. wine war
Global News
Some Calgary liquor retailers and wine lovers are feeling like the glass is half-empty following a move from AGLC to stop direct-to-consumer deliveries from B.C. wine producers.
Some Calgary liquor retailers and wine lovers are feeling like the glass is half-empty following a recent move from AGLC to try and stop the flow of direct-to-consumer deliveries from B.C. wine producers.
“We’re hurting Albertans who just want to be able to buy a bottle of wine from their neighbour,” wine collector James Bell said.
Bell is part of a wine club that ships wines from around world, including from across Canada into Alberta, and was very confused when he heard AGLC had notified B.C. wine producers that they must stop shipping wine directly to Albertans or risk having their product removed from Alberta liquor retail shelves.
“The wine clubs give you access to wines you can’t go buy in a grocery store,” Bell explained. “If you’re not in the club or you’re not visiting the winery, you’re not going to be able to walk into a store and buy the really higher end, boutique product.”
Bell isn’t the only one questioning the move, as some Calgary liquor stores weigh in.
“I think it’s trash. I think it penalizes the consumer and the producer on every level,” said Oak and Vine Inglewood manager Keegan Sawatzky. “Especially in a time where British Columbia has had some particularly tough vintages.
Sawatzky said it’s not uncommon for Albertans to return from a B.C. holiday with a bottle of wine.
Richard Harvey, owner of Metrovino in downtown Calgary, said he carries very few B.C. wines, knowing that people order directly from the wineries. He said added costs and taxes lead to higher prices on store shelves.