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VICTORIA — An aggressive trade challenge launched Wednesday by the United States could force cheap and plentiful American wine onto B.C. grocery store shelves, potentially elbowing out local vineyards.

The U.S. Trade Representative’s office announced it was taking Canada and the B.C. government to the World Trade Organization, for what it alleges is a discriminatory system in which only B.C. wine is allowed for sale alongside food in grocery stories.

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B.C. Jobs Minister Shirley Bond said the province will defend itself and is confident it has complied with all international trade agreements.

The stage is now set for a showdown over which wineries get an advantage in the coveted emerging market of B.C. grocery store shelves.

Consumers seem to the like convenience but appear mixed on the B.C.-only model.

“It seems kind of strange to me why there’s only B.C. wine,” said Surrey resident Melanie Hernandez, holding a $19.75 (after tax) bottle of Wayne Gretzky Okanagan Great Red outside the Fleetwood Save-On-Foods at 90th Avenue and 152nd Street.