Canada’s boycott of U.S. wines ‘causing devastating harm,’ California senator says

No American whiskey is displayed at an LCBO, the government-run liquor stores where most wine and spirits in the province are purchased, Sunday, March 9, 2025, in Toronto. (AP Photo/Jill Colvin)

A Democratic U.S. Senator has taken to social media to urge Canada to reconsider its boycott on American alcohol, specifically wine from California.

In a post on X, California Senator Adam Schiff said that the “boycott of California wine is causing devastating harm to winegrowers.”

Last month, Schiff sent a letter to Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette, asking her to reconsider the boycott in the province.

“Québec consumers have historically enjoyed access to a wide variety of American wines, and their absence limits choice in the marketplace, while cutting off a $434 million market,” he wrote. “Unfortunately, the restriction on American wine has had damaging consequences for regional consumers, businesses, and producers who have no influence over national policies.”

He added that reopening the market to American wine would “restore consumer choice and signal a commitment to restoring fair and balanced trade for Québecois consumers and American wineries who have no connection to the underlying trade disputes.”

In her response, Fréchette stood firm on the boycott measures.

“In the context of the ongoing trade war, the Premier continues to defend Quebec’s economic interests,” she said. “This measure will remain in effect as long as the United States maintains these unjustified tariffs. Our government will re-evaluate its position when the American administration reverses these measures.”

According to the Wine Institute, there was a 78 per cent drop in U.S. wine exports to Canada between 2024 and 2025.

Provincial boycotts of American alcohol come amid an ongoing trade war that began after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed hefty tariffs on Canadian goods early last year.

The united stand to take American booze off the shelves of Canadian liquor stores has had a notable impact south of the border.

Sale of U.S. spirits in Canada were reported to have dropped 66.3 per cent between March 5, 2025, when provinces announced they would stop carrying the products in retail stores, and the end of April, 2025, according to an analysis by Spirits Canada.

Meanwhile, some Canadian distillers are experiencing a major spike in sales. Oakville, Ont.’s Maverick Distillery told CTV News in April that vodka sales were up 100 per cent at the LCBO, while whiskey sales were up 300 per cent.

“We’re seeing unbelievable growth and the push to buy Canadian products is a real thing,” said Maverick Distillery CEO Craig Peters.