If you're looking to pick up some wine while making your weekly grocery shop, you're now in luck. Starting today, customers can find bottles in 67 locations across the province. The move is the latest in the allowance of safe alcohol sales, which was promised by Ontario Premier, Kathleen Wynne, and Finance Minister, Charles Sousa. The two leaders took to the podium this past February, and formally announced that the regulations were taking place.
Along with beer and cider, wine becomes the next beverage to become available in stores like Loblaws, Metro, and Sobeys. Those looking for spirits, however, might be a bit disappointed. The LCBO maintains the monopoly on the majority of liquor, and this fact isn't likely to change in the near future. Stores that sell wine, will also be unable to offer customers any bottles cheaper than $10.95, so don't go looking for the cheap stuff!
Imported and local wine are both being sold, with provincial producers getting a special space on shelves. Speaking with press, Sousa says that the government is "trying to expand convenience and choice”. The current timeline for larger availability is 2025. That's the year Ontario plans to have 300 locations distributing bottles. Customers may note that select grocery stores have already been selling vino. Multiple stores have housed Wine Rack locations. The government says that these will not shut down, and instead continue to sell the drink.
For a list of locations selling wine, you can catch them all here.
