BC wines underwent changes to become more marketable internationally. Originally, some wines were inappropriate or not selling well to women, so names and colors were changed. Government and industry collectively removed two thirds of grape acreage to focus on higher quality European vinifera varieties suitable for the climate. The Vintners Quality Alliance was created to establish appellation standards and assure quality through the VQA program, requiring wines to contain minimum amounts of BC or Ontario grapes. Debate continues around wine not fully made from domestic grapes being able to use the VQA designation or claim origins from BC.

1. BC Wines Take on The World