Only the big B.C. wineries can buy imported bulk wine

Re: Consumers 'deceived' by low-cost imports being sold as B.C. wines, Sept. 19, and two subsequent articles

One would think that all wineries are involved in the "deception" of importing wine and marketing it as having been produced in B.C. In fact, only a small percentage of B.C. wineries are allowed to buy imported bulk wine - those that hold a commercial winery licence, such as Mission Hill, Jackson-Triggs and Vincor.

Many, like ours, are family-owned- and-operated estate wineries, which must produce wine from 100-per-cent B.C.-grown grapes. Your readers can ensure they are buying B.C. wine produced by B.C. families by going to the Association of B.C. Winegrowers' web page (Winegrowers.bc.ca), printing the list of more than 35 members and buying their wine in a liquor store or ordering it from the winery.

All of our members are proud to produce 100-per-cent B.C. wine. Our organization has fought for truth in labelling for many years. Sadly, the larger wineries have deeper pockets and this fight has been difficult.