Ontario Wineries Surge as U.S. Wine Boycott Boosts Sales

URGENT UPDATE: Ontario’s wineries are experiencing a remarkable surge in sales as the province continues its boycott of U.S. wines and spirits. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, winemakers in the Niagara region are reaping significant benefits from the trade dispute, reporting sales increases that are turning heads and filling glasses.

At Hidden Bench Vineyard, the grape harvest is in full swing. Under sunny skies, crews are busy hand-picking grapes for their celebrated pinot noir. Owner Harald Thiel reports a doubling of sales at the province’s LCBO stores compared to last year, stating, “Sales have been up a tremendous amount, to the point where we have to be careful that we don’t run out of wine.”

According to the LCBO, sales of Ontario VQA wines—made entirely from local grapes—have skyrocketed by 67 percent year-over-year, with red wines alone seeing an astonishing 80 percent increase. This surge has allowed local wineries to capture a broader customer base as consumers shift their preferences towards domestic options.

At nearby Westcott Vineyards, co-owner Carolyn Hurst echoes these sentiments, attributing her winery’s growth to the ongoing boycott. “With those U.S. wines coming off, we’ve had some really significant, great growth,” she stated. Hurst has also seen her sales double at the LCBO and is optimistic about retaining new customers even after the boycott ends.

Marketing expert and “Wine Psychologist” Antonia Mantonakis explains that the buy Canadian movement represents a golden opportunity for Ontario’s domestic wine industry, which has historically struggled for recognition. She notes that many younger consumers, who once hesitated to choose Canadian wines, are now embracing them, discovering high-quality options that rival international offerings.

“Ontario is on the same latitude as other world-famous cool climate wine regions: Tuscany, California, Oregon,” Mantonakis said. She believes that once consumers have tasted these wines, the question will shift to, “Why would we buy U.S. wines going forward?”

As the grape harvest progresses, Thiel remains hopeful that this trade dispute will have lasting benefits for local growers. “What began as a trade spat could create a new appreciation for Ontario wines,” he added.

The booming sales and favorable weather conditions signal a promising future for Ontario’s wine industry as they head into the holiday season. Consumers are now more than ever willing to explore and support local wineries, ensuring that this momentum continues well beyond the boycott.

With the Thanksgiving holiday approaching, the call to support local is louder than ever, and Ontario’s vintners are ready to welcome both loyal patrons and new customers alike.