This April marks the seventh annual BC Wine Month, a time to celebrate spring wine releases and show support for local growers and producers.
The B.C. wine industry is made up of grapegrowers, winemakers, proprietors and countless others who have chosen this unique and diverse terroir to cultivate as their passion and profession.
“While it’s not for the faint of heart, the results are stunning wines vintage after vintage, along with incredible experiences to be found in every region,” said Miles Prodan, CEO and president, Wine Growers British Columbia. “BC Wine Month is an opportunity to honour the hardworking people behind every bottle.”
The official proclamation of April as BC Wine Month comes from the government of British Columbia in recognition of the industry’s contributions to the economic and cultural makeup of the province. B.C.’s wine industry provides stable, value-added farming and manufacturing jobs to more than 14,272 people, with an annual economic impact of $3.75 billion, in addition to playing a pivotal role in attracting tourists to the region, welcoming over 1 million visitors to cellar doors each year.
“Our province’s stunning wine tourism regions rank among the world’s best,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “But what makes our vineyards and wineries world-class are the people who work in this important industry and whose expertise and dedication create unforgettable experiences for visitors. Their contribution to our province’s agricultural and economic success can’t be overstated.”
This year’s April is BC Wine Month campaign is more important than ever considering the challenges B.C. wineries have been faced with including reduced crop yields due to extreme climate-change related weather events, reduced visitation due to wildfires and travel restrictions, and increased economic pressures on wine consumers and winery business operations.
That’s why this year Wine Growers BC has, for the first time ever, elevated the campaign to the global stage. Through the strategic partnership with sommelier influencers in markets including New York and London, UK, BC Wine Month is set to transcend geographical boundaries, building the reputation of B.C. wine worldwide.
“It’s a privilege to champion the exceptional quality of B.C. wines with my audience,” said Luke Flunder (@luke_flunders_ wine_ world) with 118,000 following his wine recommendations on Instagram and TikTok.
Amidst the celebrations and global outreach, the core message remains clear — April is the time to rally behind local wineries and show unwavering support for the resilient B.C. wine industry. Here at home, Wine Growers BC will continue to foster the incredible local support for B.C. wine: encouraging visits to wineries to hear the stories of the people behind the labels firsthand, offering perfect pairing recipes to go along with purchases from local wine retailers, and inviting one and all to learn more about B.C. wine through the Wines of BC Ambassador Program Level One, available online through WineBC.com through use of special promo code BCWINEMONTH.
“As we celebrate the seventh year of BC Wine Month, let us raise our glasses to the resilience, innovation and excellence that define the local wine industry. With a strong local base and now global reach, BC Wine Month is poised to showcase the best of what British Columbia has to offer this spring and summer,” said Prodan.
Kelly Josephson is communications manager for Wine Growers BC which represents the interests of B.C. wineries dedicated to producing 100% B.C. grape wine. Follow @WinesofBC or find them on the web at winebc.com.