Since my original posting on a growing wine labeling controversy in BC, there have been some noteworthy updates on the issue.

October 16, 2009
Peter Mitham reported on Wines & Vines that the growing public outcry and increasing media attention have resulted in announced changes in Canadian wine labels.

Canadian Wine Labels Will Change

Ontario and British Columbia address Cellared in Canada designations: Consumers demand transparency

Vancouver, B.C.  — A storm of media attention is prompting changes in the handling — and in some cases the content — of Cellared in Canada wines. “Cellared in Canada” is a designation for wines produced in Canada with foreign grapes and as little as zero domestic grape content. British Columbia has no domestic content requirement for Cellared in Canada wines produced by wineries in that province, while Ontario has required not less than 30% domestic content in the wines.

Ontario originally introduced the designation in 1972 to provide for the blending of foreign wine with domestic wine during periods when domestic grapes were in short supply, but the term has been the subject of widespread criticism this year (see Wines & Vines’ coverage of the issue, Cellared in Canada Wines Under Siege).

Changes announced this week will boost the minimum domestic content …. [read the balance of the article at Wines & Vines].

Winery & Wine Distribution Law Conference

If you are interested in learning more about the leagal aspects of not only this issue but other aspects of the wine trade, consider attending Seattle based Law Seminars International upcoming conference Winery & Wine Distribution Law at the Vancouver Convention Center on November 12-13.  The conference will address a wide range of legal, regulatory and operational issues relating to the wine trade.  One of the panel discussions will focus exclusively on labeling issues, including use of the Cellared in Canada designation.