Alcohol & Wine Law
We are passionate about Canada’s growing wine industry and bring specialized legal expertise to help wineries navigate the complex regulatory and commercial landscape. As a member of the Canadian chapter of the International Wine Law Association (AIDV) and a trade member of the Ontario Craft Wineries Association, we understand the unique needs of wineries in Ontario and beyond.
Our counsel supports businesses in the alcohol industry in ensuring compliance with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), federal and provincial regulations, and industry standards, while protecting brand integrity and managing commercial risks. We guide clients on licensing, labelling, marketing, import/export, and disputes over origin, blending, and branding.
Some of our services include:
- Advising on AGCO licensing applications, renewals, and amendments (manufacturer’s licences, on-site and off-site retail, special occasion permits).
- Structuring winery operations to comply with provincial and federal alcohol regulations.
- Advising on interprovincial direct-to-consumer sales and free-trade frameworks within Canada.
- Responding to AGCO compliance inspections, notices, and enforcement actions.
- Reviewing wine labels for compliance with federal (CFIA) and provincial requirements, including appellation, geographic indications, alcohol content, origin statements, and language requirements.
- Advising on VQA certification, appellation claims, and other designation requirements.
- Reviewing marketing, advertising, and promotional materials for compliance with AGCO advertising standards and inducement rules.
- Protecting trademarks, geographic indications, and other intellectual property rights.
- Advising on import/export regulations and cross-border sales.
- Resolving disputes related to wine origin, blending, branding, and commercial agreements.