DIY Wine Lands Store Owner In Hot Water

Filed in archive Wine Laws , Wine Making on July 9, 2007

About five years ago, my husband decided to try making his own wine. He began by purchasing a couple kits so he didn't have to go through the hassle of dealing with fruit (since at this point he wasn't sure if it was a hobby he would continue or if it would be a one-time experience). Kits are readily available at several online shops as well as some stores. Of course, you purchase the kit from the store and make the wine on your own property. However, an undercover police officer nabbed a Canadian business owner who was allowing customers to purchase the kits and brew wine on-premise.

From the Nova Scotia News:

Shop owner Ross Harrington was charged in May after allowing customers to ferment their purchases on-site, a practice he said is legal in Ontario, British Columbia and New Brunswick.
He has since pleaded not guilty.

Halifax Regional Police spokesman Const. Jeff Carr said police laid three charges - keeping liquor for sale, illegal manufacture of liquor and permitting use of a building or premise for the storage of liquor.
Mr. Harrington said Friday all he was doing is providing a space for his customers.

"And most of my clients are longtime clients who are getting on in years and can't physically lift the carboys (large glass jars) or do the labour," he said. "The equipment weighs almost 80 pounds. Even a 22-year-old person may not be able to lift a carboy."

Mr. Harrington, who didn't want to get into the details of his case until he was able to contact his lawyer, said he's stopped the practice of letting people brew on-site until the matter is settled.

According to the article, many people feel that this is an antiquated law and argue that some people don't have the room in their homes or apartments for all the equipment needed to make your own wine. (And I will admit that it does take up quite a bit of space.) Nevertheless, the law is the law, right? What do you think? Should the Canadian province reconsider this law, or should residents just accept it and not make their own wine if they don't have the room or the strength to deal with the necessary equipment?