The Canadian market for imported wine and spirits operates in a highly regulated environment and is characterised by government monopolies. Provincial liquor boards have sole authority to import wine into Canada. With the exception of the Alberta Liquor Control Board, which has privatised its entire retail network, the other provincial liquor boards import, warehouse and distribute imported wines through their various retail outlets.
Imported wines continue to dominate the market.
Major exporters of bottled wine to Canada are France, Italy and California. In addition to France, Italy and California, Australia's competition also comes from other Southern Hemisphere suppliers such as Chile, New Zealand and South Africa. The Canadian wine industry is composed of establishments that are primarily engaged in pressing grapes and fermenting grape juices to produce wines. It also includes establishments that import bulk wines for blending and bottling. The industry comprises some 75 wineries in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia and together they represent about 18,000 acres of vineyards.