British Columbia’s wine industry is breathing a sigh of relief following significant freeze events and subsequent grape losses. The government’s announcement of temporary support measures to allow the use of grapes and juice from outside the province for the 2024 vintage has been warmly received by vintners.
Miles Prodan, President & CEO of Wine Growers British Columbia (WGBC), expressed gratitude for the support, stating, “The challenges facing the BC wine industry today are unlike anything we have experienced in the past and require unique solutions to maintain the viability of not just the wine industry, but also the tourism, hospitality, and accommodation sectors that are so critical to our economy.” He thanked Premier Eby, Minister Farnworth, their cabinet colleagues, and local MLAs Roly Russell and Harwinder Sandhu for their commitment to the BC wine industry.
Prodan emphasized that this support, coupled with the replant funding announced in March 2024, provides BC wine growers with the necessary tools to plan for the future and ensure the industry’s sustainability.
“…Consumers can trust that, whether they are enjoying a 100% BC wine or a non-BC wine made by a BC winery, it will be expertly crafted and will tell the story of the people and place behind the wine.” – Kimberley Barnes, Marketing Director of WGBC
Wine quality and truth in labeling remain paramount for winemakers and consumers. The BC VQA (Vintners Quality Alliance), a symbol of quality for over 30 years, will continue to uphold its standards. Wines made using non-BC grapes or juice will not be labeled or marketed as BC products, maintaining transparency and trust.
Photo by Wine Growers BC.
Since the freeze events, WGBC has advocated for temporary support measures to help wineries navigate this critical period, maintain community jobs, and support local industries, including tourism and hospitality. Kimberley Barnes, Marketing Director of WGBC, highlighted the significance of wine tourism in BC.
“When you travel to any one of BC’s nine wine regions, it’s easy to see why wine tourism is such a significant driver in our province. From the exceptional people behind the wines and the spectacular scenery surrounding the wineries, to the array of unique and diverse events and experiences offered across the province, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. While this year’s vintage may look a little bit different, consumers can trust that, whether they are enjoying a 100 percent BC wine or a non-BC wine made by a BC winery, it will be expertly crafted and will tell the story of the people and place behind the wine.”
Quick Facts:
- The BC wine industry generates approximately $3.75 billion annually, contributes over $440 million in federal and provincial tax revenues, and employs over 14,000 full-time workers.
- BC wine tourism draws an estimated 1 million tourists annually, generating $452 million in tourism-related revenue and $147 million in wages across 2,615 tourism-related jobs.
- For every bottle of BC wine sold, $105 is contributed to the regional and national economy.
For more information about Wine Growers BC programs and services, visit WineBC.com.
