Winemaker in qathet hopeful despite BC vineyard challenges in Canada

Red Wine

Published Mar 22, 2024

Tridge summary

The British Columbia (BC) wine industry is grappling with climate-related challenges such as winter freeze and wildfires, leading to reduced grape yields and a drop in tourism. The BC Wine Grape Council suggests a crop renewal program costing up to $317 million to recover from winter damage and a permanent viral disease. The industry is also affected by interprovincial trade rules and changing consumer habits due to the pandemic, with some consumers opting for cheaper wines while others buy expensive ones less frequently. Despite these challenges, industry insiders remain optimistic, considering options like importing grapes from the US or Ontario. Meanwhile, the absence of a winery in the qathet region is attributed to population demographics and the difficulty of finding suitable, affordable land.

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Original content

Although wineries on Vancouver Island haven't faced the same challenges as other parts of the province, the climate-related winter freeze and wildfire events has hit the BC wine industry on multiple levels and may have ripple effects. In a media release from Wines of British Columbia, a study commissioned by the BC Wine Grape Council (BCWGC) outlined recommendations and financial needs required for the future success of the industry. In order for the BC wine industry to recover from a drop in tourism and reduced grape yields, BCWGC stated that funding for a crop renewal program is needed to the tune of $162 million to $317 million dollars, due to winter damage and a permanent viral disease. Consumer habits and interprovincial trade rules in Canada have also been impacting the industry, but all is not lost. The industry has faced challenges in the past, pivoted and recovered. Westview U-Vin-U-Brew owner and operator Jeremy East follows wine industry news very closely, and has a ...

Source: Timescolonist