A novel way for Washington grape growers deplete surplus inventories is going away.

A year ago, Washington grape growers, such as Kent Waliser, longtime manager and director of historic Sagemoor Vineyards near the Columbia River, were seen as saviors for most of Canada’s British Columbia wine industry, especially in the Okanagan Valley.

With special permission from the BC government, those wineries were allowed to source grapes outside the province to make 2024 vintage wines without paying import taxes. The wineries needed grapes after a January freeze wiped out most of the crop.

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In fact, the burgeoning business opportunity may be short-lived.

It appears the BC government won’t extend the special tax exemptions and allowances for future vintages of imported grapes. That’s not because of the current state of U.S.-Canada relations. The taxes were in place before the Trump administration entered the White House.

https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2025/07/31/tax-exemption-wine-diplomacy-canada-united-states.html