Globe & Mail and CTV News report that alcohol authorities are warning of shortages due this holiday season due to supply chain, labour issues and demand. Weather has also impacted crops making supplies difficult to obtain. There are also container shortages and congested shipping ports.
However, local alcohol manufactures are encouraging people to buy local. Carolyn Hurst, who chair of the Ontario Craft Wineries and co-owner of Westcott Vineyards reports that Ontario wineries have plenty of product and are having no issues getting their products into stores.
LCBO is warning people to stock up early this year but suggests that the shortages will mostly affect imports and international selections.
While many Ontarians are aware of local breweries, and are familiar with wineries, particularly in “wine country” of southern Ontario, many are still new to local distilleries. If you are interested in trying local distilling, check out Just Drink Craft’s directory. Most of these small run businesses can have product shipped to you giving you a much greater choice of offerings than what you might find at your local LCBO.