Why British Columbia wines can be hard to find in Washington

Q: I was wondering why it's so difficult to get wines from British Columbia down here. On my infrequent trips back home, I often find wines that I really enjoy, but other than what little I can bring back across the border, I can't find them down here to buy.

A: The short answer to your question is that due to the limited production of most B.C. wineries, and the B.C. Liquor Control Board regulations, which effectively mandate that all wine sales (except cellar door) must go through their buyer(s), it is expensive, difficult, time-consuming and ultimately not worth it for most B.C. wineries to pursue markets across the border.

But since misery loves company, you may find comfort in the knowledge that it is also illegal in Canada for wineries to ship their wine from one province to another if it doesn't go through the liquor board in the receiving province! In other words, a B.C. winery cannot ship wine to an individual customer in Ontario.

Rather than fight the system, most wineries elect to sell everything they make to their own tasting-room customers and the B.C. authorities; it's easy and a lot less hassle.

A few of the larger wineries, such as Mission Hills, Inniskillin, Jackson Triggs, Osoyoos and Gray Monk, do export to Washington state. By the way, you must declare anything over 1 liter and pay a minimal tax per bottle, but the process is not that difficult and does allow you to bring back larger quantities of wine.

Paul Gregutt answers questions weekly in the Wine section.

He can be reached by e-mail at wine@seattletimes.com.