Bordeaux release introduces pre-order system

BC Liquor Stores (BCLS) has moved a portion of its annual Bordeaux release to an online pre-order system, in order to safeguard customers and employees.

Customers have the opportunity this week to pre-order products online on a first come, first serve basis in advance of the September 26th release date, mitigating the need for line ups that formed hours (and even days) before stores opened. The pre-order window closes this Sunday.

“Every year, hundreds of people line up for the chance to purchase these sought-after wines as part of our annual Bordeaux release event,” said Mike Procopio, Executive Director, Retail Liquor, BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB). “This year we’ve made a number of changes to ensure we can safely manage the number of people in our stores and can maintain physical distancing throughout the event.”

Products with bottle limits are available for pre-order online, replacing the order forms handed out to customers lining up on the morning of the release. Participating stores across the province will open at 7 a.m. on Saturday, September 26th, to further avoid congestion.

While the quality of this year’s buy is as high as ever, the volume of wine overall is much lower due to the weather conditions during the 2017 growing season.

“Thanks to the long standing relationships we have with Châteaux and négociants in Bordeaux, we were able to source small amounts of our most desirable wines,” said Barb Philip, Master of Wine and Category Manager for BCLS.

For savvy sippers hoping to take part in the event, Barb recommends the Château Lilian Ladouys, St. Estèphe ($55), Château Ferran, Pessac-Léognan ($39) or the Chateau Floridène, Graves ($45). At the other end of the affordability spectrum, the Duclot Bordeaux Collection Case brings together 12 of the top Bordeaux chateaux (all 97 points or higher) in one offering for $18,000.

BCLS are operated by the LDB, which is proud to contribute over $1 billion annually to the Province of British Columbia. Our contribution helps provide financial support for vital public services including health care and education.

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