This year has been incredibly challenging for wineries in BC and the growers that support them.
According to the BC government, there has been a devastating loss of grapes throughout 2024 due to climate-related impacts.
The wildfire seasons over the last two years, the ongoing drought in some regions and January’s deep freeze have deeply impacted grape vines in all wine producing parts of the province.
Because of this, the Province will temporarily allow wineries to import grapes and grape juice from outside BC in order to allow them to produce their 2024 vintages.
This is being done to support job security and ensure the continued availability of BC wines, according to the Province.
“BC 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 Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.
“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.”
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According to the Province, many wineries say they face significant financial losses due to the climate-related impacts.
In order to recoup their costs, thousands of direct and indirect jobs in the wine industry are now in danger, including specialized winemakers and cellar masters.
By allowing grapes and grape juice needed to make wine to be imported this year, the BC government hopes to allow wineries to salvage their 2024 vintages and remain in business without having to cut jobs.
The Province says the BC wine industry generates around $3.75 billion annually for the Province and employs more than 14,000 full-time workers. BC estimates that nearly 1.2 million visitors come to the province just for the wine.
Additionally, there are around 350 licensed wineries in BC as of June 2024, with 22 of those being located on Vancouver Island, according to Wines of British Columbia. .
The newly announced supports will come into effect in April, 2025 and will remain in place until March, 2026. This will allow producers to plan ahead and ensure they have enough raw product to produce 2024 vintages.
