Canada: British Columbia allows wineries to import grapes after an unprecedented winter

Temporary support is on its way for B.C. wineries devastated by a loss of grapes due to a January deep freeze, the province announced in Penticton on Thursday, July 25. New measures will allow wines to be made with grapes and juice from outside the province for the 2024 vintage year, as the industry grapples with damage to vines and ongoing climate-related challenges that have "resulted in growing uncertainty." Roly Russell, Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Development and MLA for Boundary-Similkameen, said the measures will save jobs and ensure B.C. wines remain available. "It's certainly been a difficult season for so many, and B.C. wineries are struggling to recover from an unprecedented freeze event that could significantly impact the vibrancy of the wine industry in the year ahead," Russell said at Poplar Grove Winery in Penticton. "Many wineries that rely on B.C. grapes will be unable to produce a vintage for this year unless they offset the costs associated with sourcing ...