Launch a Winery in Saskatoon: A Practical Startup Guide
This page offers a friendly, practical overview for starting a winery in Saskatoon under NAICS 312130. It walks you through a clear 13-item requirements checklist, the permits and licenses you’ll need, and a realistic view of costs and timelines to help you plan with confidence.
You’ll learn the essential steps to move from idea to opening: business registration, zoning approvals, environmental and safety checks, production and liquor licenses, labeling rules, and financing. We outline the permits you’ll pursue, provide rough cost ranges for facilities, equipment, and regulatory fees, and map out a practical timeline—typically 12 to 24 months from concept to first vintage.
Why Saskatoon? The city is increasingly friendly to craft beverage startups, with supportive business resources, a growing hospitality and tourism scene, and nearby suppliers. A Saskatoon winery can tap into local markets and visitors while building a distinct brand around Saskatchewan-grown experiences.
Requirements Overview
Starting a winery in Saskatoon requires a number of licences and registrations before you can legally operate. The most critical requirement is the Saskatchewan Liquor Manufacturer Licence (SLGA). This licence, along with the related Alcohol Manufacturing Licence, is legally required to manufacture and sell alcohol in Saskatchewan, and you cannot operate without it. You’ll also handle the associated Excise Tax and Duty on alcohol as part of federal compliance.
Operationally, health, safety and permits come next. If you hire staff, you’ll need Saskatchewan WCB Employer Registration and you must set up payroll deductions. A municipal Business Licence is typically required to operate in Saskatoon. Depending on your business structure, you may need Partnership Registration or Saskatchewan Corporation Registration. Some alcohol-related activities also involve excise duties, so plan for Excise Tax and Duty (Alcohol) filings where applicable.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll want to secure a Saskatchewan Business Name Registration (ISC) if you’re operating under a name other than your own. You’ll also need a Business Number (BN) Registration for federal programs, and GST/HST Registration (CRA) for sales tax collection. If you choose a corporation, you’ll pursue Saskatchewan Corporation Registration; for partnerships, Partnership Registration would apply. These registrations keep your business compliant with provincial and federal tax and regulatory rules.
Next steps and encouragement: Map out a realistic timeline and start with the SLGA licensing, then tackle the name and legal structure, followed by BN and tax registrations. Talk to the SLGA and your local city planning office early to confirm requirements, and consider working with a business advisor or lawyer to keep everything on track. With clear steps and support, you’ll build a solid foundation for a compliant, successful Saskatchewan winery.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a wineries in Saskatoon:
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Alcohol Manufacturing License RequiredManufacturing of alcoholic beverages requires federal licensing and excise tax registration with the Canada Revenue Agency, plus provincial authorization. CRA Excise Act 2001 license for spirits, wine, beer manufacturing. Separate from provincial retail. Excise duty/levy rates. Monthly returns. Production records. Spirits: distiller license. Wine: wine licensee. Beer: brewer license. Contact CRA Excise: 1-800-959-5525.
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Tobacco Excise Stamps RequiredTobacco manufacturers must affix excise stamps to tobacco products, register with CRA, pay excise duties, and comply with tracking and reporting requirements. CRA Tobacco Excise Stamps. Required for cigarettes and tobacco products. Stamp ordering through CRA. Serialization tracking. Contact CRA: 1-800-668-5370.
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Tobacco Manufacturing License RequiredTobacco manufacturers must be licensed by Health Canada, comply with packaging and labeling requirements, health warnings, and restrictions on flavors and marketing. CRA Excise Duty license for tobacco manufacturing. Tobacco Excise License required. Stamping requirements. Inventory control. Monthly returns. Strict record keeping. Provincial retail separate. Contact CRA Excise: 1-800-959-5525.
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Saskatchewan Business Name Registration (ISC) RequiredBusinesses in Saskatchewan operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with Corporate Registry. This applies to sole proprietorships, partnerships, and business names for corporations. Registration provides legal recognition and is required for business operations, banking, and licensing. Registration can be completed online through Corporate Registry. Business name registrations must be renewed every 5 years for sole proprietorships and partnerships. Register with ISC (Information Services Corporation) for business name. Required for sole proprietorships with trade name, partnerships. $65 registration fee, $60 renewal. Name reservation valid 90 days. Online registration also registers with Ministry of Finance and CRA.
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Saskatoon. Apply to City of Saskatoon for Business Licence: 1. Determine business category 2. Complete business licence application 3. Submit required documents (ID, lease, zoning confirmation) 4. Pay application and annual fees 5. Await approval and receive licence Contact City of Saskatoon Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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Saskatchewan Liquor Manufacturer Licence (SLGA) RequiredProvincial Liquor Manufacturing License requirement for businesses in this jurisdiction. This licensing requirement ensures compliance with provincial regulations, protects consumers, and maintains industry standards. Requirements typically include business registration, professional qualifications or training, facility standards where applicable, insurance coverage, and adherence to relevant codes of practice. Specific details vary by province and business type. Businesses must consult relevant provincial authorities, regulatory colleges, or licensing bodies for complete requirements. Operating without required licensing may result in fines, closure orders, or inability to legally operate. Obtain liquor manufacturer licence from SLGA: 1. Determine manufacturer type (brewery, distillery, winery, cidery) 2. Download and complete application from SLGA 3. Obtain municipal zoning approval 4. Pay application and annual fees 5. Meet facility and production requirements 6. Obtain federal excise licence from CRA 7. Pass SLGA inspection
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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired for partnerships. Registration of partnerships in Saskatchewan. Register partnership with ISC: 1. Complete partnership registration form 2. Submit through ISC 3. Pay registration fees General and limited partnerships. Annual return may be required.
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Excise Tax and Duty (Alcohol) ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Alcohol manufacturers must register with CRA, calculate and remit excise taxes, maintain records, and comply with bonding requirements. Excise Act compliance for alcohol production. CRA excise licence. Duty calculations. Inventory control. Export exemptions. Contact CRA Excise: 1-866-330-3304.
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Saskatchewan WCB Employer Registration ConditionalRequired if you have employees in Saskatchewan. Employers in Saskatchewan must register with the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) and maintain coverage for workers. WCB provides insurance for workplace injuries and occupational diseases. Most employers are required to register, with some exceptions for specific industries and self-employed individuals. Registration should occur before hiring the first worker or commencing operations. Employers pay premiums based on their industry classification rate and assessable payroll. Register with Saskatchewan WCB for workers compensation coverage. Required for employers in mandatory industries. 2024 average premium rate $1.28 per $100 payroll. Maximum assessable earnings $104,531. Directors on T4 excluded from 2025.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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Saskatchewan Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired if incorporating in Saskatchewan. Incorporation of a company under Saskatchewan law. Incorporate through ISC Corporate Registry: 1. Conduct NUANS name search 2. Prepare articles of incorporation 3. Submit through ISC online or registry 4. Pay incorporation fees Annual return required. Federal incorporation is alternative option.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your wineries:
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A $25.7M program under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership open to not-for-profit and Indigenous organizations. AAFC contributes up to 70% of eligible costs (max $1M/year or $5M over 5 years; $100K/year or $500K for national fair projects). In-kind contributions capped at 15% of total. Priority intake closed May 30, 2025; …
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A provincial personal and corporate income tax credit for arm's-length investors who purchase shares in certified eligible NL small businesses. The credit is 35% for businesses operating outside the North East Avalon region and 20% for businesses within the North East Avalon. Maximum annual credit is $50,000 per investor. Carry-forward: …
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A non-refundable 10% corporate income tax credit on eligible capital investments made by PEI corporations involved in manufacturing and processing. Claimed via T2 Schedule 321 filed with the corporation's T2 return. An additional Enriched Investment Tax Credit (up to 25%) is available through Innovation PEI for strategic-sector manufacturers requiring pre-approval …
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The APITC offers a 12% tax credit on eligible capital expenditures for qualifying agri-processing projects. Eligible activities include food, beverage, meat, alternative protein, animal feed, biofuel, biochemical, bioplastics, cosmetics, and natural health product manufacturing. The credit is non-refundable and non-transferable, claimable against Alberta corporate income tax over up to 10 …
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The Saskatchewan Value-Added Agriculture Incentive (SVAI) is a non-refundable, non-transferable corporate income tax (CIT) credit applied against eligible capital expenditures for newly constructed or expanded value-added agriculture processing facilities. The credit is structured on a graduated scale: 15% on expenditures up to $400 million, 30% on expenditures between $400 million …
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