Previously, Bill Easton had a routine of shipping Syrah to Montreal every six weeks from his winery in California’s Sierra Foothills. However, this changed when Quebec halted American alcohol sales last spring. Now, he pays $1,200 every four weeks to store the wine in a controlled facility.
Easton mentioned that they have wine specially labeled in English and French for Quebec, waiting in a warehouse for sale. The ban on U.S. alcohol by Canadian provinces has become a focal point in trade talks as leaders debate reinstating sales to ease tensions with the White House.
Easton expressed his concern about being used as a negotiation pawn, emphasizing that winemakers are just ordinary producers selling to consumers who appreciate their products.
Most Canadian provinces ceased U.S. alcohol distribution in response to tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. Prime Minister Mark Carney urged provinces to reconsider to prevent new tariffs on Canadian goods.
Some premiers indicated they would comply if satisfied with the terms, while others hesitated without further details, citing the need to maintain leverage in the trade dispute.
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‘A bad taste left in my mouth’: Will Canadians buy U.S. booze again?
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Some premiers expressed willingness to lift the ban but advised against purchasing U.S. alcohol, questioning the reliability of negotiations with the U.S.
The absence of California wines and other American spirits on shelves has irked Washington, with Trump citing it as a key issue behind tariff threats on Canadian goods.
The Oregon Wine Growers Association emphasized the importance of rebuilding trust with Canadian buyers through a stable trade environment post-deal negotiations.
