Laura Kittmer
The BC Wine Institute is partnering with the BC Wine Authority, BC Wine Grape Council and the BC Grapegrowers’ Association to host the inaugural BC Wine Industry Insight Forum on March 13, 2018 in Penticton. This full-day event will bring industry together and provide an informative overview of the current and future state of the wine industry from notable speakers.
Wine industry specialists will share their expertise on what’s next, what’s possible, and the external factors that play a role in the success of BC’s wine industry today and going forward.
“The forum is an opportunity to hear from industry experts on issues that affect and will drive our collective success,” notes Miles Prodan, President and CEO of the BC Wine Institute.
Topics will include climate change; working collaboratively from a Washington state producer’s perspective; the Ministry of Agriculture update and plans; new research opportunities and latest findings affecting the value chain – from vineyard to consumer; and wine and food tourism trends.
“The day will be filled with a strong selection of national and international speakers sharing their stories, research and insights, including successes based on their experiences as they relate to these topics,” says Prodan.
Speakers will include: Dr. Greg Jones research climatologist and Director of Wine Education at Linfield College in Oregon; Dr. Pat Bowen plant physiologist and Viticulture Researcher at the Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre (PARC) in Summerland; Lee Cartier professional Agrologist and professor in the Okanagan School of Business at Okanagan College in Kelowna; Steve Griessel Proprietor of Betz Family Winery in Woodinville Washington; and Wes Shoemaker Deputy Minister with BC Ministry of Agriculture.
“As a presenter at this forum I’m excited to share my experience with collaboration in the Washington State Wine Industry," says Steve Griessel of Betz Family Winery. "It can be daunting to figure out how to work with the large producers and to share expertise, but ultimately it leads to everyone’s success.”
The goal of the BC Wine Industry Insight Forum is to deliver thought-provoking research, plans, trends and successes to inform, promote and increase dialogue and collaboration amongst our wine industry.
“We are pleased to be a part of the Insight Forum and to offer all of the grapegrowers in BC the opportunity to learn about different facets of the industry value chain and current issues and plans in the industry,” said Mason Spink, Chair, BC Grapegrowers’ Association.
Lynn Bremmer, Chair of the BC Wine Grape Council says “It is exciting to see our industry come together at this forum, we look forward to providing insights for the industry that will drive our mutual success.”
The forum takes place March 13, 2018 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre. The event is open to all in the wine industry. Tickets are $25.00 (+GST) and include lunch and a wine reception. To purchase tickets and for a list of speakers and day’s agenda, please visit www.WineBC.org/bcwi_programs/wine_industry_insight_forum.