Ontario VQA wines are making a big splash, rising in dollar value sales by 62 per cent since the U.S. tariff war and thanks to the promotion of LCBO’s The Eh List. The statistic refers to the period of Feb 9 to March 29, 2025, when compared to the same period a year ago.

The provincial liquor agency pulled American wines and spirits off the shelf on March 4, filling the space with Ontario- and Canadian-made products. Maple leaf signs help customers identify locally made beer, wine, spirits, cider, ready-to-drink coolers and cocktails and non-alcoholic beer. Since March 2025, The Eh List is a dedicated page on www.lcbo.com that helps consumers identify more than 3,000 Ontario and Canadian products. 

According to a report in the St. Catharines Standard, VQA red wine sales have jumped with 71 per cent while VQA whites have risen by 67 per cent. Sparkling wines have also seen a lift of 28 per cent. 

The Ontario government passed legislation in fall 2024 that allows alcohol sales in all eligible grocery stores and big box stores. Wineries now have multiple more outlets for wine sales. 

Grape Growers of Ontario, representing 500 growers, is optimistic that the consumer trends will translate into sales of more locally-grown grapes to vintners. Ontario’s 2024 farmgate value was close to $104 million. 

Source:  St. Catharines Standard April 29, 2025.