A Guide To Sustainable Wineries In BC

In October 2023, Okanagan Crush Pad Winery (OCP) celebrated a significant environmental milestone as the first Canadian winery to attain silver membership with the International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA), placing it among an elite group of global wineries dedicated to combating climate change. With goals including reducing greenhouse gas emissions and aiming for a 33% reduction in emissions by 2030, and a goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, we applaud them for their efforts. Garnet Valley Ranch, one of the wineries that is part of OCP, believes the holistic principles behind regenerative agriculture are meant to restore soil and ecosystem health, address inequity, and leave our land, waters, and climate in better shape for future generations. Natural areas provide habitat for wildlife and ecosystem services such as water purification, carbon storage, and climate regulation. In 2015 they were awarded official organic certification. 

Haywire uses Fortis BC renewable natural gas (RNG) which is made from

composed materials, practices regenerative farming which builds healthy soils and aims to reduce their carbon footprint by 30% by 2030. They support biodiversity in their grapevines, organic vegetables, lavender and bees, and are the first Canadian winery to join IWCA International Wineries for Climate Action. This organic winery uses lightweight glass packaging plus eco-friendly pouch packaging as well.

Tightrope Winery in Penticton was the first certified member of Sustainable Winegrowing BC (SWBC) who create systems & practices that conserve resources & create efficiency while protecting the environment. Sustainability efforts include a broad and proactive approach including practices like lowering water and energy use, limiting greenhouse gas emissions, and no use of insecticides or herbicides. Their ‘bat house’ supports and enhances biodiversity by keeping insects at bay, and energy is sourced from solar.

Elephant Island Winery based in Naramata, is also a member of  Sustainable Winegrowing BC  and this family owned business is committed to maintaining a healthy diversity at their farm with all wines and ciders made with low intervention and living fermentation techniques. Soils are not manipulated, with no bulldozing, and no systemic herbicides used. Rotational grazing, cover cropping, beneficial pollination, and closed-loop composting are all used to regenerate the soil. The winery mason bees are native to the region too. Check out the ‘What is a Sustainable Winery’ tour and tasting, whereby a guide walks guests through the farm to learn about their natural systems in place.

Even Saunders, winemaker at Blasted Church Vineyards tells us, “We are at time where we all need to be working sustainably. Ideally, with an added focus on regeneration and leaving our land in a better state when we started. Recent extreme weather events have shown that we are at a tipping point, and we need to be doing everything we can to slow these changes to preserve the land for the next generation.”

For this winery, sustainability begins with low-intervention, high-expression farming practices, ensuring that “each glass of wine reflects the terroir authentically.” 

Through the implementation of cover crops and erosion control measures, Blasted Church fosters a resilient ecosystem that supports pollinators and beneficial insects crucial to sustainable viticulture. Collaborations with local partners, like True North Farm, integrate regenerative farming techniques into daily operations. For instance, the introduction of chickens into vineyards not only enhances biodiversity but also contributes to natural pest control and soil enrichment through organic waste management.

Iconic Wineries of British Columbia (IWBC) includes CedarCreek Estate Winery, Mission Hill Family Estate, Martin’s Lane Winery, Checkmate Winery, Liquidity Wines, Road 13 Vineyards, and Red Barn Winery. The IWBC has converted 100% of their 52 family-owned estate vineyards to organic farming. In 2019 they completed their first audit with Ecocert, an organic certification organization, founded in France in 1991. This large group of BC wineries has an impressive track record of leadership in the wine community for many years, inspiring others to follow suit.

A valuable resource, mentioned above, is Sustainable Winegrowing BC, which lists a number of BC wineries committed to this movement in winemaking, including Le Vieux Pin, Tantalus Vineyards, and many others.