As British Columbia (B.C.) moves to restrict U.S. alcohol imports in response to newly imposed tariffs, the Vancouver International Wine Festival (VIWF) has narrowly avoided a major setback. Despite a sweeping provincial ban on alcohol from Republican-led U.S. states, the festival—which features 50 U.S. wineries—will proceed as planned, albeit with higher prices on some wines.
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Wine Festival Dodges Full Impact of Alcohol Ban
Scheduled to run from February 22 to March 2, 2025, VIWF is one of Canada’s premier wine events, drawing wineries and enthusiasts from around the world. Of the 121 wineries set to participate this year, 50 are from the U.S., including:
- 43 from California
- 4 from Oregon
- 3 from Washington State
Because these states are governed by Democratic leadership, they have been exempted from B.C.’s ban on U.S. alcohol imports. This decision spares the festival from a worst-case scenario, where all U.S. participation could have been blocked.
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Why Is B.C. Banning U.S. Alcohol?
The ban follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent decision to impose 25% tariffs on all Canadian imports, excluding energy, which is subject to a 10% tariff. The move was justified as a response to cross-border migration and fentanyl concerns.
B.C. Premier David Eby swiftly retaliated, announcing that the British Columbia Liquor Distribution Branch (BCLDB) would halt purchases from “red” (Republican-led) U.S. states. Since all legal alcohol sales in B.C. must go through the BCLDB, this effectively removes many popular American brands from store shelves.
According to a leaked BCLDB memo, these brands include:
- Jack Daniel’s whiskey
- Jim Beam bourbon
- Bulleit bourbon
- Bacardi rum
- Tito’s vodka
While existing stock from these states will continue to be sold until inventory runs out, no new orders will be placed.
Tariffs Push U.S. Wine Prices Higher
Even though California, Oregon, and Washington wineries were spared from the outright ban, they are not immune to Canada’s retaliatory tariffs.
Shortly after Premier Eby’s announcement, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau unveiled Canada’s 25% counter-tariffs on select U.S. goods, including wine. As a result:
- U.S. wines will still be available at the VIWF’s on-site liquor store
- However, they will be significantly more expensive than wines from other countries
This price hike could impact U.S. wine sales at the festival, as consumers may opt for more affordable international options.
How Big Is the U.S. Wine Market in B.C.?
B.C. has long been a significant market for American wine. According to BIV data, U.S. wine accounted for 11.65% of the $1.1 billion in wholesale wine sales in B.C. over the past year. These sales include transactions from:
- Restaurants
- Pubs and bars
- Government liquor stores
- Private liquor stores
With tariffs now inflating prices, the future of U.S. wine sales in B.C. remains uncertain.
Festival Organizers Stay Optimistic
Despite these challenges, VIWF organizers remain confident that the event will continue without disruption. In a statement, the festival confirmed that the ban and tariffs would not affect any planned events.
The festival has been a staple in Vancouver since 1979 and has only been canceled once, in 2021, due to pandemic restrictions.
What’s Next for B.C.’s Liquor Industry?
With tensions escalating between Canada and the U.S., further trade restrictions could impact the wine and spirits industry in the coming months. While B.C.’s selective alcohol ban spares Democratic-led states, any escalation in the tariff war could prompt additional countermeasures, affecting both availability and pricing of imported goods.
For now, wine lovers can still enjoy a world-class selection at the VIWF—just be prepared to pay more for American wines.
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