Alberta, B.C. reach deal to allow wineries to ship directly to consumers

B.C. wineries can once again ship their wines directly to Albertans after the two governments announced an agreement on Tuesday.

In January, Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis told B.C. wineries to stop shipping their wines to homes across the border "to protect the interests of Alberta retailers and liquor agents."

Alberta says the new memorandum of understanding ensures B.C. wineries "pay their fair share of fees from liquor sales in Alberta."

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"I'm pleased that wine will once again flow to Albertans' doors," Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said in a release. "I appreciate the collaboration between our governments, which is set to continue through our agreement and joint working group."

"This is great news for our wine sector because it has been challenged as well, not just by this hiccup with Alberta but also the impacts of pretty wild swings in weather," British Columbia Premier David Eby said. "Extreme hot and extreme cold temperatures have damaged a number of vines in the Okanagan region, so this is good news for them at a time when they really need it."

Albertans can order wine from B.C. as of Tuesday.

John Skinner or Painted Rock Estate Winery called the return of direct-to-consumer sales "enormous" for business.

"It's wonderful. It means we have a dedicated, loyal community of wine club members," Skinner told CTV News. "They don't have to drive all the way to Painted Rock to come and buy wine. I just want them to click and buy.

The MOU will last one year and will be evaluated by both governments.