How to Support BC Wineries Now

Did you know that the 2023 wine crop was reduced by 58% with 29% of the industry’s 12,681 acres estimated to have been lost to winter damage? The estimated losses from that crop reduction alone are approximately $133 million this year for BC’s vineyards and wineries. It’s too soon to know the full impact of our January 2024 freeze.

To put it into perspective, those losses not only impact the BC growers and proprietors, but winery tasting room staff, winemaking teams, vineyard staff, administration and more.

Generally, when the BC wine industry is in top performance level it has a 3.75 billion total economic impact and employs 14,000 people across the province. The average bottle of 100% BC wine generates $53.14 for the local economy so we can’t urge you enough to purchase BC wines. 

I spoke to Leeann Froese, co-owner of Town Hall Brands, who works closely with wineries on Summerland’s Bottleneck Drive, plus Solvero, Haywire, Garnet Valley, and Blasted Church. I asked Froese about best ways for us as consumers to support, and she advises that “it’s most profitable when a customer visits and buys directly from the winery, but if that’s not possible you can join their wine club or place an order online.” Another way to help? Leave a positive review on the winery’s website or social media pages.

Froese adds that “BC wineries very much value their partners in the retail and restaurant landscape as well and are equally grateful if you go to your local wine retailer or order BC wine off a restaurant menu. All of these are effective ways to keep supporting BC wineries.”

If you’ve never joined a BC wine club, what are the advantages? Froese explains that you can “choose from your favourite wines and enjoy perks such as advance event tickets, exclusive wines (not available in stores) and discounts. It’s really fun to be in a wine club!”

Rumour has it that BC wineries have low stock at present, but Froese tells us “That is just not true! Please plan to visit BC wine country – often. Wineries cannot wait to welcome visitors this year and have lots of tasting opportunities and events planned.”

Fun BC Wine events and tours to consider are plentiful, including Summerland’s Bottleneck Drive where visitors can take a self-guided tour and tasting through the winery route.

A Night to Celebrate at Solvero Wines takes place on May 25 and celebrates the tasting room’s official 

opening with a ticketed winemaker’s dinner.

Haywire Winery’s A Taste of Argentina takes place on June 21 and 22 and guests enjoy an Asado (Argentinian BBQ).

Dim Smmerland pairs Chinese dim sum with Lunessence Winery’s best.

Blasted Church Vineyards hosts it’s 7 Deadly Sins Party on June 22 with themed food and wine stations, live performances, a DJ and promises loads of fun.