Skiing, Fine BC Wines, and Ontario’s Need for Change

A Perfect Ski Trip with an Even Better Wine Discovery

There’s nothing quite like skiing at Big White with family and old friends, carving down fresh powder, and then unwinding with a great glass of wine. My recent trip reminded me of just how exceptional British Columbia wines have become. The quality, depth, and complexity of their reds, in particular, left a lasting impression. I found myself savoring both the Merlot and Shiraz from Burrowing Owl—two truly outstanding wines that stand up to any international competitor.

Why Aren’t Canadian Wines More Accessible in Canada?

As much as I appreciated the excellence of BC wines, I was struck by a frustrating reality upon returning home to Ontario: these wines are nearly impossible to find here. Canada produces some world-class wines, yet our liquor laws make it difficult for consumers to enjoy them outside of their home province. Why are we so reliant on imported wines—especially from California—when we have incredible homegrown options? It’s time to stop treating Canadian wine as a niche product and start making it available across the country, just as international imports are.

This is why I wholeheartedly support Doug Ford’s decision to push for the dismantling of interprovincial trade barriers. It’s time to stop treating our own Canadian products as if they were foreign imports and start making them accessible to consumers nationwide. There’s no reason why I should be able to walk into an LCBO and find an endless selection of California wines but struggle to locate a bottle of Burrowing Owl.

The Bigger Picture: US Tariffs and Trade Realities

I will admit that Ford’s move has one personal downside for me: the loss of convenient access to my long-time favorite Kentucky whiskey, Woodford Reserve. My family has deep ties to the area, so there’s sentimental value there. However, that’s a small price to pay for the bigger picture—building a stronger domestic market and reducing our reliance on an increasingly unreliable trading partner. The United States' decision to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian products, with 10% on energy is yet another example of an unfair and exaggerated response to trade. The justification? A bogus exaggeration of the extent of fentanyl flowing into the U.S. from Canada, despite little evidence to support these claims. Furthermore, the so-called trade imbalance the U.S. often cites is misleading—when you subtract oil exports, Canada actually runs a trade deficit with the U.S. This selective framing of trade numbers is yet another reason why we need to rethink our dependency on the American market.

A Call to Action: Support Canadian Businesses

This isn’t just about alcohol—it’s about Canadian businesses of all sizes. If we truly believe in promoting Canadian industries, we must start supporting them in every sector. Whether it’s Ontario wine in BC, BC wine in Ontario, or choosing local food brands over U.S. competitors, fairness and accessibility should be our goal.

For example, rather than opting for U.S. snack brands like Kind, Canadians should support homegrown companies like Taste of Nature, which creates high-quality, natural snack bars while investing in Canadian jobs. The choice is clear: let’s back our own businesses, strengthen our economy, and celebrate the exceptional products we have right here at home.

Let’s raise a glass to a future where Canada prioritizes its own industries and consumers make conscious choices to support small and medium-sized businesses. The power is in our hands.