Olympic Wine

The Olympics start this week in Paris. It is an exciting time to be a sports lover. Some of the best athletes in the world will be gathered in Paris to compete for their countries.

Also in attendance will be their families, spectators, journalists, dignitaries and many others from across the globe  to support, cheerlead and celebrate the amazing feats of athleticism.. And while in Paris what else is there to do if not eat and drink some of the best food and wines the country has to offer? Maybe a rose from Province, or perhaps a Northern Rhone Syrah? Maybe you’re a Burgundy lover and would opt for something traditional to wash down a confit de canard from a a small bistro down the street from the Louvre.

Imagine being in Paris over the next two weeks and having your choice of some of the finest wines the country has to offer all within the city limits. Sounds like heaven to me.

And then it would be back to the relatively dismal reality of wine selection in Ontario.

Did you know there are  innumerable  wines from across our nation that are simply unavailable in the restaurants of Ontario? You almost have to know someone who knows someone who knows how to get such things for your own personal enjoyment from within our own borders! Imagine being in Paris next week and not being able to get a bottle of Champagne to celebrate the win of a friend or family member?

This also works in the other direction. Wouldn’t it be wonderful for our local producers to have a larger market with which to share their wines? Imagine dinning on spot prawns at a restaurant in Tofino and having the option to wash them down with a chardonnay from Prince Edward County?

Such is the state of affairs in Canada. True north strong and free… Hardly.

Each province and territory in Canada is effectively its own country when it comes to distribution of alcohol and importing wines from other parts of the country is highly taxable and in some cases out right illegal. Sure you are able to acquire small quantities of wine from other provinces for your own pleasure, but if you own and operate a restaurant, serving wines from another province would be illegal if not brought into Ontario through the LCBO and slapped with high taxes.

Modifying this process  would allow wineries across the country to access markets with a thirst for all wines, not just locally grown. Sommeliers would rejoice in being able to easily learn more about the wines of Canada and would eagerly share their enthusiasm with the patrons of their restaurants.

So why do we continue to accept that provincial governments  with their big business partnerships is the only way, now and future, to sell wine? Didn’t the recent LCBO closure teach us that there are a myriad of ways to get unique and high quality beverages into your glass without the sterile conditions of shopping at a government owned monopoly?

When Canada wins during the Olympics over the next two weeks, raise of glass of something Canadian. At least the world can witness our world class athletes. Unfortunately they will have to come visit in person for the opportunity to taste our wines.