Okanagan wine producers prepare for U.S. import ban

Wine producers in B.C.’s Okanagan are preparing for a new U.S. ban on most Canadian alcohol imports, which is set to take effect later this month. At Lightning Rock Winery in Summerland, owner Ron Kubek said the move could affect about 500 cases of wine sold in the U.S. each year, worth an estimated $120,000 to $150,000. Painted Rock Estate Winery in Penticton said the direct sales loss would be smaller, but losing access to the U.S. market would still hurt the winery’s ability to build its brand. The Wine Growers of British Columbia said the ban would affect producers, importers, distributors, retailers, and hospitality businesses on both sides of the border. Industry leaders also used the announcement to renew calls for Canada to reduce interprovincial trade barriers and support domestic wine sales through governmentrun liquor stores.