B.C. lets wineries import grapes after 'devastating' winter loss

The B.C. government says wineries can import grapes and juice to make their 2024 vintages after "devastating" losses this winter. 

The province says allowing winemakers to import grapes from outside B.C. is a "temporary measure" to prop up hundreds of wineries and thousands of jobs after freezing weather wiped out this year's harvest. 

Public Safety Minister and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth says financially supporting the wineries will "protect jobs and maintain the cultural and economic vitality" of the industry. 

The province says wineries indicated January's "deep freeze" in the Okanagan — which sent temperatures down to –20 C for several days — had resulted in a 90 per cent loss of grape production and damaged an estimated 15 per cent of vines.

Poplar Grove Winery co-owner Tony Holler said that by allowing wineries to bring in grapes, the province is ensuring many Okanagan businesses will be able to stay afloat.

"Forget just the wine industry," he said Thursday, noting that all kinds of businesses rely on wineries operating. 

"Wineries aren't asking for a handout, we're just asking for a venue where we can continue our business, because we don't want to lay people off, we want to continue supporting all the other businesses that we need, because we don't want them going out of business," he said. 

Holler said this news means his winery will be able to stay in business in 2025.

The B.C. government says the support measures will run from April 2025 until March 2026.

Wine Growers British Columbia says wine made with imported ingredients will not be marketed or labelled as B.C. products.

President Miles Prodan said the grape losses had "threatened the viability" of the industry.