To say a lot has changed from that first festival is an understatement. Back then, Canadian wine was undrinkable. In fact, just about anyone who cared about wine, and there were not that many, was drinking French.

As the business of wine grew globally, country after country chipped away at France’s market share led by the rest of Europe, then Australia, Chile, Argentina, South Africa, the United States and, as we have seen for a few years now, Canada.

In many ways it’s perfect timing for the home team.: Canadian wine is clearly at a tipping point, with interest at all levels: in the vineyards, in the wineries, in the wines and in the media, and the momentum is almost palpable. It’s been inspiring to hear the progression of tasting conversations over the decades go from “I’ll try the white, or the red” to questions about soil, site orientation, viticultural methods, winemaking, grape varieties, clones, aging, and more.

It takes a decade to acquire and feel comfortable about your wine knowledge, and it would seem many Canadians have put in the time to get there. Where we go from here is another question, and there is much to be done.

We have yet to establish ourselves as a single wine entity under national regulations that makes any sense to Canadians or outsiders. What would be wrong with a single and audited, appellation tree for wines grown and produced in Canada?

The broadest appellation could be Canada followed by province, region, sub-region and so on down to a single vineyard, or even vineyard block. It’s would be easy to understand for consumers, and relatively easy to enforce. It seems obvious at this point a level playing field, based on place with some basic production standards to prevent bad wines from getting to the market, is all that is needed. Consumers can take it from there.

One story and one message would go a long way to launching a national wine program we could take to the world, and it wouldn’t inhibit any provincial or even regional wine body from pursuing its own marketing ideas. If the diversity of Canadian wine is its strength, than it’s imperative we have a singular base of rules and regulations that will allow us to tell our story to the world.

Read more at source: Vancouver Sun