By Times Chronicle Staff
Countering the perception that wineries are closed and/or have no wine to offer, the association says that across BC’s nine wine regions, “wineries are not only open and have an abundance of wine to share, but they have created an array of diverse and unique offerings that allow guests to experience wine country like never before.”
Aside from a full slate of 60 events in just the next two months, the association says ten wineries have developed completely new wine tourism experiences as part of the Cultivating Experiences: Elevating BC Wine Tourism program.
These wineries worked with Wine Growers British Columbia and Destination BC in partnership with tourism consultancy Firecircle, and supported by Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), as part of a united effort to promote the province as a destination for “incredible tourism experiences”.
“British Columbia’s wine tourism is a testament to the passionate folks who work in the province’s vineyards, wineries and touring companies,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “It’s not just about the wine, it’s about our stories, our people, and our wine country culture.
The program provided virtual workshops, valuable market research, and mentorship for each participant winery to ultimately launch a unique wine tourism experience.
The ten wineries offering new experiences include:
- Maverick Estate Winery, Okanagan Valley, Intimate Dinner Series
- Mythology Vineyards, Okanagan Valley, Sip, Savour & Create Mediterranean Experience, launching soon
- Bartier Bros. Vineyard & Winery, South Okanagan Valley, Flavour, Texture & Time
- Culmina Family Estate Winery, Okanagan Valley, Wine & Art event
- Joie Farm Winery, Naramata Bench, Aikin’s Walk the Loop Tour Experiences, launching soon
- Da Silva Vineyards & Winery, Naramata Bench, Terroir Sessions
- Township7 Vineyards and Winery, Fraser Valley & Naramata Bench, Saber & Sip: The Art of Sabrage at both locations
- Monte Creek Winery, Thompson Valley, Long Table Dinner Series
- Blue Grouse Estate Winery, Vancouver Island, A Sparkling Day in Cowichan
- Unsworth Vineyards, Vancouver Island, A Sparkling Day in Cowichan
Wines of BC photo
Richard Porges, President & CEO, Destination BC commented that the program helps increase visitation to wineries across BC from spring into the fall, providing visitors with enticing reasons to extend their trips.
“It encourages people to explore new places and diverse wine tourism offerings, increasing revenue streams for businesses and enriching visitor experiences. The wine sector is a valuable contributor to BC’s tourism landscape and economy. We are proud to support agri-tourism and winery experience development, strengthening BC’s reputation as a sustainable and leading wine tourism destination,” he said.
Kim Barnes, Marketing Director, Wine Growers British Columbia noted that the program, combined with the association’s new Sip, Smile and Stay Awhile campaign, “highlights the exceptional array of warm, welcoming and diverse wine tourism experiences available across the province and provides new ways for guests to enjoy 100 per cent BC wine this year.”
A full listing of events can be found on the Wines of BC calendar.
