Do you own a cell phone? Have you eaten a banana lately? Where did you get your sneakers from?

Ok, you probably get it: the modern trope of "support local" is a bit trite.

Studies have shown when the general public are polled, for example, on where they enjoy spending the majority of their time – the number one answer is the library. (I'll give you a minute to chuckle)

It's human nature – given the knowledge that our information is to be shared publicly – we have the tendency to lie. 

As for wine, the stats speak for themselves: 50% of wine consumed in BC is not local. Why is it that so many claim to be staunch local supporters yet don't follow through with what they preach? 

With the abundance of inexpensive international options, it's a tough call when shopping at the local liquor store. Good quality, local options can be significantly pricier than their international counterparts. On an average Tuesday night, spending $25 on a bottle of wine can seem a bit splashy for the average person. 

However, that cheap international bottle of wine might be costing you a lot more than just the price of its contents – now more than ever, responsibility and awareness of the carbon footprint is paramount.

Being aware of the glass the wine is housed in, for example – did it come from China? Was it ethically sourced? What are the farming practices of the winery? Are they spraying the vines with potentially harmful chemicals? 

Yet, just because we live in a certain place, does not necessitate being wine ambassadors for that region. I once read a rant by a wine writer on social media, who waxed on about the pressure to be a champion for the wines that come from her country, when she'd rather just be drinking Beaujolais.

Is "support local" just a maudlin exploited by mediocre wineries who abuse it to sell more wine? Surely, if your wine is good, people will drink it – local or not. 

A question I get a lot is – how do I find out what wines are good from my region? It always surprises me how much I get this question, often as the ponderer holds a smartphone in their hand.

Social media is an incredibly valuable tool that is rarely used to its capacity. Instagram has made celebrities, high profile business people and winemakers more accessible than ever –  yet few seem to be capitalizing on this privilege.

If you aren't sure, just take to Instagram for mere minutes to see what wine pros are drinking locally, then go buy it from your boutique or better yet – order it directly from the winery. 

Supporting local is a contradictory notion given the current climate we live in. Buying from your neighbour's winery will make a difference – albeit a small contribution, it's a step in the right direction.