Province to allow B.C. wineries to import grapes after ‘catastrophic’ winter loss

B.C.’s wine industry is facing significant crop losses due to consecutive extreme weather events.

Wineries in the province, especially in the Okanagan Valley, suffered damage from a cold snap earlier this year, impacting the 2024 grape yield.

“It has been just over 100 days since we assessed the damage and its impact on the 2014 Vintage crop,” said Miles Prodan, president and CEO of Wine Growers British Columbia.

“To implement measures in such a short time frame is a significant achievement.”

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Many wineries that rely on B.C. grapes to produce BC VQA wines and other wines may not be able to produce a vintage this year

Unless wineries can cover the costs of sourcing grapes from outside the province, they will face challenges in wine production.

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In response, Boundary-Similkameen MLA Roly Russell announced adjustments in regulations to offer support to wineries.

“The government is introducing targeted assistance for wineries to cover the expenses of importing grapes and grape juice for wine production in B.C.,” Russell stated.

Specifics on the implementation of these changes are still being determined, with a focus on transparently indicating the grape origin on wine labels.

“We have built the reputation of BC VQA wines on 100% B.C. grapes, and it’s crucial to avoid confusion by clearly labeling wines made from Washington grapes in B.C.,” said Tony Holler, owner of Poplar Grove Winery.

“Labeling will play a key role, and we are currently working on the labeling process.”

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The wine industry in B.C. provides employment for over 14,000 full-time workers, with around 350 licensed grape wine wineries.

The regulatory changes offer wineries a lifeline until B.C. grapes become available again.

“The impact of climate change on our industry is evident,” Prodan noted.

“These support measures are crucial for the industry’s sustainability.”

More details on eligibility and requirements will be communicated to wineries by fall this year.

The support program will be effective from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026.

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