Nova Scotia has opened its borders to the Canadian wine industry, following the lead of Bristish Columbia and Manitoba. The three Canadian provinces have reconciled their laws with Bill C-311 which removed the federal law banning the shipment of alcohol between provinces for personal consumption in 2012.

In plain English, this means that Nova Scotia residents of legal drinking age may now purchase 100% Canadian wine directly from a licensed out-of-province winery and have it shipped to their homes for personal consumption, effective immediately.

This week marks the third anniversary of Bill C-311 and FreeMyGrapes is using the occasion to further press provincial governments to open their borders to Canadian wine, encouraging industry media to use the #freemygrapes.

In Canada, 100% Canadian wines represent a mere 10% market sales share, yet consumer demand for wine is growing. As a result of consumers’ limited access to Canadian wine, imports have captured 80% of total wine sales growth over the last decade, impacting the potential of local industry and jobs.

“The Nova Scotia government is showing great leadership and values this region’s vibrant wine industry,” stated Dan Paszkowski, President and CEO of the Canadian Vintners Association (CVA) “It is time that all remaining provincial governments follow their lead and bring about changes that will see Canada’s 550 wineries thrive and compete on an international scale, starting right here at home,” said Paszkowski.