Sales of Ontario wines have 'skyrocketed' since LCBO pulled U.S. booze from stores: officials | CBC News

"Sales of wines made from Ontario-grown grapes have soared since the Doug Ford government directed the LCBO to pull U.S. booze from store shelves nearly a year ago, officials say. "It's been huge," said Michelle Wasylyshen, president and CEO of Ontario Craft Wineries, a non-profit trade association. "We call this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity." Wasylyshen says overall the association's numbers are up about 83 per cent. "That's sales numbers within the LCBO and some of my members are reporting even higher sales increases than that." Producers say they hope even if U.S. bottles return to store shelves, consumers will continue to buy wines made from Ontario grapes."

"In early March 2025, the Ontario government told the LCBO to stop selling U.S. products in response to U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods. The directive means wine, spirits, cider, beer, ready-to-drink coolers and cocktails, and non-alcoholic products produced in the U.S. have not been available for sale in LCBO retail stores, convenience outlets or through its website and app, according to the LCBO. The ban also means wholesale customers, including grocery stores, convenience stores, bars and restaurants, have not been able to place orders of U.S. products online through the LCBO."

Sales of wines made from Ontario-grown grapes rose sharply after the Ontario government directed the LCBO to stop selling U.S. products in early March 2025 in response to U.S. tariffs. The LCBO directive removed U.S. wine, spirits, cider, beer, ready-to-drink coolers, cocktails and non-alcoholic products from retail stores, convenience outlets, online channels and wholesale ordering. Ontario Craft Wineries reports association numbers up about 83 percent, while the Ontario Ministry of Finance reports VQA wine sales up about 79 percent, Ontario alcohol product sales up about 33 percent, and local craft product sales up about 50 percent. VQA wines are made from 100 percent locally grown grapes and are regulated by the Ontario Wine Appellation Authority.

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