Oenophiles in British Columbia will be happy to learn that trade barriers between this province and Saskatchewan have been removed for wines and craft spirits.
The premiers of both provinces announced August 29 that an agreement has been reached that will allow British Columbians to order Saskatchewan wine and craft spirits directly from producers.
Saskatchewan residents will be able to do the same with B.C. wine.
This could mean good news for B.C. wineries and distilleries, who will now have access to the market in Saskatchewan.
"B.C.'s wine industry has earned a strong reputation internationally for quality and value, and thanks to this agreement, more people right here in Canada will be able to enjoy the high-quality BC VQA wines grown and produced in B.C.," said Miles Prodan, president and CEO of the BC Wine Institute.
Currently, B.C. consumers only have access to wine and craft spirits sold through the BC Liquor Distribution Branch or private liquor stores in the province.
The rules won’t come into effect right away and are still being drafted, with implementation planned for June 17, 2015.
