Canadian wines in the NW

[cpurvis]

Bucko, CCK, and/or others:

As follow-up to our brief mention of Okanagan wines in another forum, do you know anything about distribution of Canadian wines on the West Coast? I find it frustrating to be separated from the Okanagan by only one state & yet have NONE of their wines on ANY local shelves.

[Bucko]

Same situation here -- it sucks.

Bucko

[chittychattykathy]

There are several available in Washington state, & sadly, most are only found in Seattle stores (and in Bellingham). I am not sure about Oregon. A few: Grey Monk, Mission Hills, Hester Creek, Tinhorn Creek, Lang (incredible ice wines).

[Livvy]

It all has to do with the archaic liquor laws and the distribution of alcohol in the US from Canada. (and vice versa) I don't know enough about it, but what I DO know is that some wineries and VQA (Vintners Quality Alliance) stores can try to bend the rules and post things to the US labelled "vinegar" etc. Contact Brian at Edgemont Village Wines in North Vancouver @ www.edgemontwines.bc.ca or check out winery listings @ the new www.bcwine.com or www.wineaccessmag.com