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Roots And Resilience: BC Wineries Launch Crafted In BC Wines
Roots And Resilience: BC Wineries Launch Crafted In BC Wines
ROOTS & RESILIENCE: BC WINERIES SHOWCASE THE GRIT BEHIND THEIR GRAPES WITH THE FIRST LAUNCH OF THEIR CRAFTED IN BC WINES
VANCOUVER, BC: From vineyard to glass, every wine tells a story, and this is one of resilience, and strength from B.C.’s beloved Okanagan’s wineries.
In the wake of a series of Winter events that brought unprecedented climate challenges to British Columbia’s vineyards, The Okanagan Valley has taken a strong beating over the last few years.
Troubles first began in December 2022 when British Columbia’s winegrowers faced one of the most detrimental periods of cold weather faced by the industry. Significant drops in temperature all but eradicated vines in the Okanagan Valley, resulting in a 58 percent loss of grape and wine production leading into 2023. In January 2024, another severe cold snap impacted B.C.’s wine region, resulting in an estimated 97-99 per cent loss of buds, putting Western Canada’s most prized wine country at risk of complete destruction. Add the effects of decreased tourism during COVID and labor shortages, B.C. wines were struggling to survive.
Located in B.C.’s Southern interior, The Okanagan Valley spans over 250 kilometers and is defined by the Okanagan Lake and the Okanagan River. The region accounts for approximately 86% of the wine production in British Columbia (B.C.). Leading industry association Wine Growers B.C. estimated the damage to cost the industry between $440 and $445 million in January 2024 alone.
In July 2024, B.C. winemakers finally saw relief via temporary government support with the announcement of the “Vintage 2024 Relief and Support Program.” In a historic move, B.C. wineries were granted the ability to make wines with grapes and juice from outside the province for the 2024 vintage with the launch of a new wine category designated as “Crafted in BC” Wineries like Gray Monk, Sandhill Wines, Tinhorn Creek, and Red Rooster lead this new category release, with imported grapes and juiced from neighboring wine regions, yet finished with the care and character that defines B.C. winemaking.
“This measure has allowed wineries to not only keep their doors open, and staff employed, but also the opportunity to challenge our talented BC winemaking teams to think outside their own vineyards,” commented Paul Sawler, Board Chair of Wine Growers BC. “Crafted in BC wines are made by the same skilled hands as BC VQA wines, ensuring that the high standards of quality and craftsmanship are maintained.”
“It’s been a very challenging time for winemakers and the industry, but we’ve powered through to ensure the survival of B.C. wines,”
adds Jen Oishi, Winemaker for Gray Monk Estate Winery.
And survive and thrive, they have. Newly introducing their first round of “Crafted in BC” wines, leading wineries Gray Monk Estate Winery, Sandhill Wines, Tinhorn Creek and Red Rooster showcase the strength, tenacity and resilience of the region, while introducing great tasting wines in time for the Summer season. While B.C. wineries vary in their origin of imported grapes, Gray Monk Estate Winery, Sandhill Wines, Tinhorn Creek and Red Rooster’s newly released 2024 vintage includes grapes from either Washington State, Oregon, or Ontario.
While Crafted in BC is not an official designation or certification, it is a message that highlights the resilience of the BC wine industry in the threat of decimation.
“It allows us to produce great tasting wine while our vines are in recovery but still maintain the quality and originality of B.C. winemaking,”
adds Oishi.
We’re incredibly excited to launch this first round of Crafted in BC wines and celebrate the strength of the BC industry and these four wineries,” comments Courtney Henderson, Marketing Director, VQA. “Every bottle tells a story of resilience, grit, tenacity and strength and we’re very proud of the wine produced and the opportunity to bring these wines to consumers coast to coast.”
“Crafted in BC” wines are available at select retailers across Canada.
