As Canada retaliates against U.S. trade tariffs with its own, an unexpected winner has emerged: Ontario’s wine industry. With American wines removed from shelves at the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO), local wineries are reporting a dramatic boost in sales as consumers pivot to domestic options.
At Cooper’s Hawk Vineyards in Harrow, co-owner Tom O’Brien says sales have jumped by 40% since U.S. wines were pulled. “It’s been super helpful,” O’Brien said, noting that while he anticipated a modest bump, the actual increase—worth around $4,000 a month—was a welcome surprise. The shift has encouraged new customers to try Ontario wines, and many are continuing to buy them even after their initial purchase.
The LCBO’s Support Ontario Wineries program, which promotes locally-produced wines, has also played a critical role. Cooper’s Hawk has six wines in the LCBO’s direct delivery system, and one was chosen among 60 featured wines in the province-wide initiative. Even if American wines eventually return, O’Brien is optimistic that consumer habits have shifted permanently in favor of Canadian vintages.
Debbie Zimmerman, CEO of the Grape Growers of Ontario, echoed that sentiment. She says the temporary absence of U.S. wines has opened up long-awaited opportunities for local producers. “We haven’t seen this kind of shelf space in years,” she said. According to Zimmerman, Ontario wine sales have increased by roughly 29% across the province.
The increase isn’t just due to tariffs. The Ontario government has opened around 8,000 new retail access points for wine, including grocery and convenience stores, with over 5,000 already active. This expansion has made it easier than ever for consumers to pick up a 100% Ontario-grown bottle—something many are now doing with a sense of patriotic support.
Another boost has come from loosened interprovincial trade barriers, allowing Canadians to order wine from other provinces like Nova Scotia without extra tariffs. Zimmerman called the ongoing U.S.-Canada tariff tensions “uncertain territory,” but added that the grape and wine sector is planning for growth, including increasing grape production and investing in climate-resilient innovations.
Looking ahead, producers are relying on continued support from the Ontario government. Zimmerman credited Premier Doug Ford’s administration for backing the industry and emphasized that such support is essential to keeping Ontario’s wine economy healthy—from the vineyard to the shelf.
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