Many Canadian vineyards were replanted to vinifera varieties to earn VQA status. The program was so successful that 2008 saw a surplus of grapes, and buyers without a market will receive government subsidies. Peninsula Ridge Estates in Beamsville produces about 20,000 cases per year at its own winery.
Toronto, Ontario -- Newspapers in the United States have been full of stories about the $700 billion governmental bailout in this country--and the requested "rescue" of the auto industry--but no one is talking about bailing out any part of the agriculture industry. Canada, however, is different.
British Columbia's Tinhorn Creek Vineyards experienced its best month of 2008 in October, thanks to increased retail demand.
Vancouver, B.C. -- Northwest wineries may not be expecting slower sales over the holiday season, but they do expect to move product differently than they did a year ago.
Speaking to media during a conference call regarding this year's harvest, Sam Tannahill of
A to Z Wineworks in Dundee, Oregon--a winery that boasts "Aristocratic Wines at Democratic Prices"--said October was its best month ever. Consumers are opting for wines priced under $20 per bottle, Tannahill said, noting that distributors indicate sales are shifting to reflect consumers' lower confidence in the economy. Restaurant sales are down in favor of retail sales, and premium wines priced between $20 and $50 per bottle are moving a bit more slowly.
