Prompted by environmental concerns, Summerhill Winery in Kelowna has decided to package some of its wine in bag-in-box packaging. However, the current regulations regarding eligibility for VQA status prevent VQA wine from being packaged in anything other than bottles. As a result, Summerhill\’s bag in box wine will not be eligible for VQA labeling. The story has received significant media attention: BC Vintner Loses VQA Designation and Vintner Can Teach Bureaucrats A Thing or Two About Wine. The loss of VQA status also means that this wine would not be eligible for the VQA rebates paid to wineries for sales in government liquor stores. As a result, Summerhill will likely only sell this wine to restaurants/hotels and private stores.
Categories