B.C. wineries can use non-local grapes for 2024 vintage

The B.C. government says local wines of the 2024 vintage may use grapes and juice sourced from outside of the province, as part of a temporary relief measure.

B.C.’s wineries were hard-hit by extreme weather this year, resulting in the loss of grapes and crops. From freezing weather to wildfires, the government says the industry has faced “growing uncertainty” that, without intervention, would have resulted in “substantial financial losses” and the loss of jobs.

Targeted supports will offer B.C. wineries “the option to address costs associated with importing grapes and grape juice in relation to producing B.C. wine,” the province explains.

This means wineries will still be able to plan for 2024 replacement vintage production, allowing businesses to retain jobs and contribute to the economy.

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The province says the temporary measure will “support job security within the industry” and ensure “the continued availability of B.C.-produced wines.”

The supports take effect April 1, 2025, and will remain in place until the following March 31. The province says eligibility criteria and requirements will be shared with the industry this coming fall, allowing businesses the choice to enter into contracts now.

“B.C. wine growers and wineries are an integral part of the province’s economy and this year they have been hit by devastating losses due to extreme weather events,” said Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth. “By extending this support, we are providing badly needed help for our wineries during this challenging period. This relief for the 2024 vintage is essential to protect jobs and maintain the cultural and economic vitality this sector brings to our communities.”

Wine Growers B.C. President and CEO Miles Prodan says the extent of the damage the last winter’s freeze caused was captured in a report. He said the weather event “decimated the potential of this fall’s vintage and threatened the viability of not just the B.C. wine industry, but also regional tourism, hospitality and accommodation sectors that are so critical to our economy.”

The industry is extending its thanks to the B.C. government for its response, which Prodan says gives “B.C. wine growers the confidence to plan for the day when they can return to 100% BC VQA wines and the assurance that this critical industry will continue for years to come.”

According to the province, the wine industry generates about $3.75 billion to the B.C. economy. The industry employs more than 14,000 full-time workers through about 350 licenced graoe wine wineries.

It’s estimated B.C.’s wineries welcome nearly 1.2 million visitors each year.