Depending on the province in which it is produced, Cellared in Canada is a category of Canadian wine that is produced with varying quantities of foreign bulk wine and Canadian wine. These wines are often sold in government-run liquor stores in sections designated as "Canadian wine". In British Columbia, Cellared in Canada wine may be produced from 100 percent foreign content with grapes grown from Washington State, California, South Africa,[1] Argentina, Chile.[2] and possibly even China. In Ontario, Cellared in Canada wine is allowed to be produced from a blend of no more than 60 percent foreign-sourced content. Within the 40 percent Ontario content, dilution with water is not allowed.[3][4] [5] The only indication of origin is found on the back of the bottle, with a term such as "Cellared in Canada from international and domestic wines". Other permitted terms are "Product of Canada" and "Vinted in Canada".
In Ontario, as of April 1, 2014, the wineries which existed prior to 1993 will be allowed to produce "International - Canadian blends" which contain no more than 75% foreign content (meaning that they in fact contain only 25% Ontario wine, which may be from labrusca varieties). Historically, this percentage has fluctuated wildly, due to periodic shortages and surpluses of Ontario grapes, and lobbying by both the grape growers and the producers.
- ^ G. Hamiliton, "Sale of cheap imports as B.C. wines called 'scandalous'" National Post Vancouver Sun, September 20th, 2009. [dead link]
- ^ K. Ejbich "Protest Mounts Over 'Cellared in Canada' Wines" Wine Spectator, August 28, 2009
- ^ Grape Growers of Ontario
- ^ Ontario Wine Producers Association[permanent dead link].
- ^ Wine Content Act.