Calif. Vintners Call for U.S., Canada to Resolve Trade Dispute

Restoring access to the Canadian market was the central focus of three days of meetings with federal lawmakers, administration officials and Canadian provincial representatives for a delegation of  senior winery owners, winemakers and executives from 14 California wineries during. Wine Institute’s 41st annual Washington Meeting.

Until last year, Canada was the largest export market for American wine. For more than a year, Canadian provincial bans on U.S. alcohol have hurt wineries, distributors, retailers, restaurants and consumers on both sides of the border, while creating a significant obstacle in the broader U.S.-Canada trade relationship. 

“Throughout these meetings, our vintners shared real-world examples of the challenges they are facing in the current environment and the urgent need to regain access to the Canadian market,” said Steve Gross, president/CEO of Wine Institute. “Canada has long been an essential trading partner for U.S. wine. Restoring that relationship is critical for wineries, workers, growers and the communities that depend on a strong and competitive wine sector.” 

In addition to the Canadian provincial bans on U.S. alcohol, the delegation highlighted support for key U.S. Department of Agriculture programs that are critical to the wine sector and raised concerns about the proliferation of unregulated THC hemp products in the marketplace. 

“Every vintner has a unique story to tell about how these policies impact their businesses, employees and communities,” said Robin Baggett, Wine Institute board chair and managing partner of Alpha Omega Winery. “When policymakers hear directly from winery leaders, they better understand what is at stake — not just for individual businesses, but for the broader agricultural economy and the communities that support it.”