Ontario wine sales have risen since LCBO removed U.S. products from shelves.

Officials say VQA wine sales rose roughly 79–83% after the provincial government directed the LCBO to stop selling U.S. products in March 2025.

Sales of wines made from Ontario-grown grapes have risen since the provincial government directed the LCBO to stop selling U.S. products in early March 2025. The change removed a range of U.S. alcoholic and some non-alcoholic products from LCBO retail stores, convenience outlets and the LCBO website and app. Industry groups, small producers and some retailers report higher demand for Ontario VQA and craft wines. Officials say the shift has brought new customers and more listings requests for local producers. Reported facts: - The Ontario government issued the directive in early March 2025 in response to U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, according to reporting. - The LCBO removal covered U.S. wine, spirits, cider, beer, ready-to-drink products and certain non-alcoholic items in stores, online and for wholesale orders. - Ontario Craft Wineries reported overall numbers up about 83 per cent within the LCBO, while the Ontario Ministry of Finance said VQA wine sales increased about 79 per cent over the last year. - The ministry also reported sales of Ontario alcohol products rose about 33 per cent and local craft product sales rose about 50 per cent. - Retailers and small wineries said restaurants and wine shops reached out more often and that consumers were sampling and rebuying local wines. Summary: The change appears to have boosted visibility and sales for VQA and craft wineries across LCBO channels and independent retailers. Whether those sales trends will continue if U.S. products are reinstated is undetermined at this time.