Orchard Plaza Save-On-Foods first in the Okanagan to sell BC VQA wine

February 18, 2016 – Kelowna, B.C.- Save-On-Foods in Kelowna’s Orchard Plaza officially launched its Wines of British Columbia B.C. VQA Wine section today, becoming the first grocery store in the Okanagan Valley to retail wine that’s made from 100 per cent B.C. grapes.

A grand opening celebration featured formal remarks by Save-On-Foods president Darrell Jones, special guests from the B.C. government, and BC Wine Institute President/CEO Miles Prodan.

“We are so grateful to the B.C. government for its support in extending this convenience to our customers, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the absolutely amazing selection of B.C. VQA Wines in our stores provided by our friends and neighbours at local wineries,” said Save-On-Foods president Darrell Jones. “It is a privilege to be able to offer our customers the option of purchasing a 100 per cent British Columbia wine right in store to complement our selection of local food products and round out their meal experience.”

Wines of British Columbia Orchard Plaza Save-On-Foods is the Langley-based chain’s fifth location to carry 100% B.C. VQA Wine-in-aisles since the province amended its liquor laws in early 2014.

The store will offer more than 900 wine labels from more than 150 wineries in our province – all of which is 100 per cent British Columbian.

“More wine-in-grocery stores are opening across B.C. and we are pleased to see B.C. VQA Wine become even more accessible to consumers right here in Wine Country,” said Miles Prodan, President/CEO of the British Columbia Wine Institute. “It’s about giving consumers the convenience and access to a larger selection of BC VQA Wine that is grown and made 100 per cent in B.C. to pair with other favourite B.C. agriproducts.”

“When we asked British Columbians how we could improve our liquor laws, we heard loud and clear from consumers that they want more choice,” said B.C. Premier Christy Clark. “The common sense changes we are making to modernize B.C.’s liquor laws are giving British Columbians more places to access B.C.’s amazing wine products – including right here in Kelowna. Wine on grocery store shelves is about new opportunities for B.C.’s wine producers, grapegrowers, grocers and consumers alike.”