STRONGER TOGETHER: BC WINERIES AND BC GRAPEGROWERS
REBUILD FOR A RESILIENT FUTURE
Wine Growers British Columbia (WGBC) and the BC Grapegrowers Association (BCGGA) are reaffirming the strength and resilience of BC’s wine community as the industry transitions beyond the temporary relief and support measures put in place for 2024 and 2025.
The measures, introduced at the request of both wineries and grapegrowers following the devastating 2023–24 winter freeze, provided short-term flexibility to import grapes from outside of the province, keeping workers employed and tasting rooms open while BC vineyards recovered. With this year’s abundant harvest and a healthy 2025 vintage now underway, the temporary measures will not extend past this year.
“This program was never about replacing BC grapes, it was about protecting the people who grow and make BC wine,” said Jeff Guignard, CEO of Wine Growers BC. “Our members asked for a bridge to get through an unprecedented crisis, and that bridge worked. We’re now back to business as usual: celebrating 100% BC-grown wines and the farmers who make them possible.”
BC Grape Growers Association President Bobby Ercego (also the Vineyard Manager with Andrew Peller Limited) agrees: “The freeze events challenged the British Columbia wine industry, but the industry has responded. Wineries’ doors are staying open. Growers are replanting. We’re adapting varieties and places and maybe not planting vineyards in certain areas. I see us coming out of it quite strong on both facets of the industry.”
The success is captured in the new short documentary “Stronger Together: BC Wine Rises,” featuring the voices of almost a dozen winemakers from across the province. The film celebrates community, craftsmanship and the extraordinary 2025 vintage that has evolved from adversity.
Both associations are now focused on long-term sustainability, advocating for policies and programs that ensure BC vineyards remain competitive and resilient in the face of climate change.
“Our industry has shown what’s possible when we work together,” added Guignard. “The 2025 vintage tells a story of strength, innovation and a return to 100% BC grown grapes. That’s the message we want British Columbians to hear.”
BC Wineries Featured in the Documentary
- Niche Wine Company
- Nagging Doubt Winery
- Lightning Rock Winery
- JoieFarm Winery
- Little Farm Winery
- Four Shadows Vineyard & Winery
- 1 Mill Road Winery
- Black Hills Estate Winery
- Observatory Wines
QUICK FACTS
- The wine industry generates approximately $3.75 billion annually for BC and employs more than 14,000 full-time workers.
- There are approximately 350 licensed grape wine wineries in British Columbia as of June 2024.
- Each year, BC’s wineries welcome nearly 1.2 million visitors.
- This vibrant industry generates revenue for government directly through sales and indirectly by providing jobs throughout the supply chain and in related sectors such as agriculture, tourism and hospitality.
ABOUT WINE GROWERS BRITISH COLUMBIA
Since 1990, WGBC has played a pivotal role in taking BC’s wine industry from a vision to an internationally recognized niche region producing premium wines and providing exceptional wine tourism experiences. WGBC markets the wine and regions of BC; delivers quality trade, media and consumer tastings; and acts as the voice of BC’s wine industry by advocating to government on behalf of industry that contributes $3.75 billion in provincial economic growth annually.
WGBC represents all wineries in British Columbia to grow the premium market share for the Wines of British Columbia, while driving awareness of our world-class wines and tourism product – as of 2019 drawing 1,191,500 visitors with $609 million in tourism and tourism employment related economic impact on an annual basis. For more information about Wine Growers BC programs and services, please visit WineBC.com.
For details on the Wines of British Columbia, go to WineBC.com, follow @WinesofBC on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Pinterest. Industry trade news @WineGrowersBC.
Image: Adam Woodward, Privato Vineyard & Winery, Thompson Valley