This April marks the sixth annual BC Wine Month, a time to celebrate spring wine releases and the awakening of the vines by raising a glass to BC’s vibrant wine industry.
There is a lot to commemorate this year, including the findings of the report ‘Canada’s Wine Economy – Growth and Innovation Through Global Challenges’ released last summer, which highlights the momentum of the BC wine and grape industry. In 2019 the sector contributed a significant $3.75 billion to the provincial economy, an 86.7 per cent increase from the 2011 report.
“This impressive growth is a testament to the dedicated efforts of BC wine industry professionals and stakeholders who have put BC on the map as an internationally recognized destination for premium wine and wine tourism,” said Miles Prodan, CEO & President of Wine Growers British Columbia. “BC Wine Month is an opportunity to honour the hardworking winemakers and grapegrowers that craft stunning wines in our province vintage after vintage.”
Spring is considered to be the season of new beginnings and it is in that spirit that Wines of BC is promoting three ways for industry, trade and media to celebrate BC Wine Month.
This April Taste Something New
The first wine releases from the 2022 vintage are hitting shelves in wineries, wine shops, and restaurants around BC. This April, find a newly released wine perfectly suited to your palate by taking the taste test on the award-winning Wines of BC Explorer App, or find your new favourite restaurant from this list of Best BC Wine Restaurants.
You Do Not Want to Miss Tasting These 2022 Wines
“You can expect fruit driven, aromatic, fresh and lively whites. Red wines had a longer ripening period leading to refined soft tannin structures with good colour intensity, fresh acidity, and a juicy palate. I expect it to be a very elegant vintage,” said Alex Nel, Winemaker & Viticulturist at Fort Berens Estate Winery.
Read more in the BC Grape Wine 2022 Vintage Report on WineBC.com. If you own or work at a restaurant pouring BC wine, claim your free listing on our Best BC Wine Restaurant list in the Pour More BC program, contact info@winebc.com.
This April, Learn Something New
How familiar are you with the Okanagan Valley’s six new Sub-GIs? In June of 2022, the BC Wine Industry recognized six new Sub-Geographical Indications (Sub-GIs) which are now official and protected terms under BC law, used to help consumers identify BC wines’ origins.
The six are: Lake Country; East Kelowna Slopes; South Kelowna Slopes; Summerland Bench; Summerland Lakefront; and Summerland Valleys; all representing an area of distinct sense of place resulting in unique wines.
The best way to learn about Wines of BC, and these new Sub-GIs is through getting Ambassador Program Level One certified. The online course is designed for everyone, including those making, growing, serving, or simply enjoying BC wine. Level up your BC wine knowledge in time for wine touring season!
Ambassador Program Course Level One Online. Use Promo Code: BCWINEMONTH
Level Two of the Ambassador Program is an in-class learning experience. Wines of BC will be offering Level Two classes throughout BC this spring. Visit WineBC.com to see if there is a course happening near you. Level One is a pre-requisite for Level Two.
This April, Share Something New
Wines of BC is rolling out the spring ‘Swirl Around BC’ campaign, complete with stunning visuals to inspire BC wine lovers to get out and explore BC wineries, pair local BC wine with their meals, and generally share their excitement for BC Wine. Join in the celebrations by sharing the Wines of BC content. Visual assets are available to BC Wineries and BC wine trade to share organically on their own channels, contact us at info@winebc.com if you are interested in telling the Wines of BC story with us this BC Wine Month. Happy BC Wine Month!
Kelly Josephson, Communications Manager, Wine Growers British Columbia