SLOWLY but surely, B.C.'s sometimes prohibition-era liquor laws are changing, though not quickly enough for most of us.
Lost in the run-up to the May 14th provincial election is the good news that the mess surrounding wine auctions (that caused serious hardship for many groups who depend on such activities) is on its way to being resolved.
The Miscellaneous Statutes Amendments Act was passed in the last sitting and the necessary changes should be in place by late May, advises lawyer Mark Hicken (winelaw.ca), who assists Modernize Wine B.C.
This group brings together numerous interested parties who, aside from pushing to get the ignorant policy that was introduced regarding wine auctions changed, has also identified other key areas that need to be addressed sooner rather than later.
Modernize Wine, explains Hicken, was formed to create a bridge between a diverse group, including wineries, distilleries, restaurants and other interested parties, to bring B.C.'s laws more in line with most other jurisdictions.
Hicken says there are so many special interests that it's hard for anyone to change anything without upsetting someone. He says the system in general doesn't create a level playing field for a lot of people.
Some of the changes the group is lobbying for include:
? Secondary tasting rooms
If you've been to Healdsburg or Walla Walla (or Los Olivos, or just about any wine region in the world outside of B.C.) you'll know that privately run tasting rooms are a boon for wine tourists who may not be able to or want to visit every winery around. How come we can't have them here?
? Farmers market tastings
The artisan food, wine and spirits sectors are on fire. Permitting tastings at farmers markets (as they do in most other parts of the civilized world, from France to Australia) would only make sense.
? Permit educational wine tastings
Believe it or not, current B.C. liquor law and policy does not permit the sampling of wine during wine education classes (such as WSET or ISG classes), says Modernize Wine. Go figure!
? Allow restaurants to purchase wine from private stores
The current system that requires restaurants to buy all of their wine from government stores is outdated and severely limiting. It can be very frustrating.
For more information about these and other common-sense initiatives, check modernizewine.ca.
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Belly's Budget Best Domaine Gayda Grenache 2011
This Languedoc producer has a well-earned rep for over-delivering VDP (Vin de Pays) wines. This easy drinking red invites with peppery and red-berried notes before a gently spicy and plush palate with a lengthy close. Excellent value at BCLS Specialty $14.99 (88 pts.). Look for the Flying "Free Spirit" label.
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Tasting calendar
? Wine for Waves (April 26, 7-9: 30 p.m., Four Seasons Hotel)
Naramata Bench Spring Release tasting takes a different form this year. In partnership with the Vancouver Aquarium, and in support of Ocean Wise, Naramata wineries and local restaurants and artisans team up with YEW for an evening of wines paired with Ocean Wise tastes. Tickets: $95. To book go to vanaqua.org/ wineforwaves.
Tim Pawsey covers food and wine for numerous publications and online as the Hired Belly at hiredbelly.com. Contact: rebelmouse.com/hiredbelly, on Twitter @hiredbelly or email [email protected].
