By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
Despite a strong grape harvest in 2025, the British Columbia government has extended its support for the province’s wine industry for another year, acknowledging the sector’s ongoing recovery from the devastating polar vortex of January 2024, which severely damaged vineyards across the region.
The continued support—welcomed by industry organizations—will help wineries maintain operations and retain skilled workers as newly planted vines mature, according to Wine Growers British Columbia (WGBC).
The wine industry is a major economic driver in BC, contributing approximately $3.75 billion annually and supporting over 14,000 full-time jobs. While this year’s growing season was favourable, both WGBC and the BC Grapegrowers’ Association estimate the province remains more than 10,000 tonnes short of the grape volume required to meet market demand.
Replanting is already underway, but grapevines typically take several years to establish before producing a full harvest. Without extended support, many wineries had warned of potential layoffs.
The province’s temporary vintage replacement supports, first introduced in 2024, will now continue through the 2025 production year. This program allows eligible wineries to use grapes or juice sourced from outside the province, supplementing the production of 100 per cent BC wines and helping maintain supply for consumers into 2026.
“This extension is a vital bridge from last year’s crisis toward a sustainable future for BC wine,” said Jeff Guignard, President and CEO of Wine Growers British Columbia. “We’ve heard directly from wineries that were just days away from having to lay off staff. That’s how real the pressure is.”
Guignard emphasized that, while the temporary use of out-of-province grapes is permitted, the industry remains firmly committed to the integrity and quality of BC VQA wines.
“Even with temporary supports in place, we’re working to ensure the industry looks local first—so that every BC grape ends up in a bottle,” he added.
Bobby Ercego, Chair of the BC Grapegrowers’ Association, noted the importance of the collaboration between grape growers and wineries in navigating the recovery.
“This extension gives everyone—growers and wineries alike—a better shot at surviving this transitional period and coming out stronger on the other side,” said Ercego. “The industry needs just one more year to return to full strength.”
Agriculture and Food Minister Lana Popham called last year’s freeze “the most devastating event to hit BC vineyards in decades” and reaffirmed the province’s commitment to supporting recovery efforts.
“We’re stepping up for one more year to ensure BC’s wine industry has the stability it needs to recover fully, protect jobs, and continue producing the high-quality wines British Columbia is known for,” Popham said.
Over the coming weeks, WGBC will continue working with partners including the BC Grapegrowers’ Association, the BC Liquor Distribution Branch, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to support wineries with resources and guidance—particularly around truth-in-labelling standards for 2025.
The organization is also laying the groundwork for a long-term recovery and development plan heading into 2026.
“For a second year, consumers will have the opportunity to explore these unique wines alongside 100 per cent BC vintages—continuing to support the wineries they cherish and helping keep our wine industry a vibrant part of BC’s tourism, culture, and way of life,” Guignard said.
As of June 2024, there are approximately 350 licensed grape wine wineries in British Columbia.
