Wine & Sustainability: "Crafted in BC"

The Resilient Spirit of the BC Wine Industry

​You might have noticed a shift on the shelves of your local BC Liquor Store. The familiar presence of US wines has, for the most part, vanished. And in the midst this change, you might find yourself scratching your head, wondering why we're championing BC wines that, ironically, might contain grapes from Washington, Oregon or California. Confusing? Maybe a little. But is it a problem? Absolutely not.

​This isn't some shady loophole; it's a testament to the incredible resourcefulness and resilience of our BC wineries with the support of both the provincial government and Wines of British Columbia. When Mother Nature throws a curveball – as she did with the devastating cold snap of January 2024, decimating local grape yields for the second time in two years – our winemakers had to adapt. In true winemaker fashion, they smartly sourced high-quality grapes from our neighbours to the south (and even Ontario!) to keep production going, keep their dedicated teams employed, and, most importantly, keep delicious wine flowing for their loyal and supportive customers.

So really, this is about supporting BC wine industry's ingenuity and skill, not playing trade games. The "Crafted in BC" designation is a direct response to these challenges, a temporary measure allowing our wineries to bridge the gap in local grape supply while maintaining their high standards of quality and craftsmanship. These wines are still made by the same skilled hands, with the same passion and expertise you've come to expect from our local producers.

​The ongoing trend of "premiumization" – where consumers are drinking "less but better" – finds a perfect match in these "Crafted in BC" wines. They represent top-tier quality from wineries who are pouring their hearts into every bottle, ensuring that even with a challenging vintage, you're still getting an exceptional product. In fact, in the upcoming BC Wine Tasting Challenge June 25th, BC will showcase a collection of "crafted in bc" rose. I've tasted and wow - these are great styles from grapes we don't have an abundance of here in the province. So an opportunity to showcase what could be is also part of this tasting.

​Wineries Embracing the "Crafted in BC" Initiative:

​Many of your favorite BC wineries have embraced this initiative, demonstrating their commitment to delivering quality wine despite the hurdles. While a comprehensive official list of all wineries participating and the specific grapes they've sourced might not be publicly available in full, here are some of the prominent names that have "Crafted in BC" wines to try and buy:

1 Mill Road Winery: This boutique producer headed up by Ben Bryant & Katie Truscott is making elegant styles from Washington sourced grapes. Check out their Grenache Rose. Fantastic.

Bartier Bros.: Known for their fleshy reds and precise whites, they are certainly among those committed to maintaining quality. Check out 3 styles of Rose. 

Blasted Church Vineyards: A well-known Okanagan winery, they are part of this initiative to ensure their popular wines remain available.

Orofino Vineyards: With their focus on small-lot, high-quality wines, Orofino's participation underscores the commitment to "good wine". You can't beat the prices.

Anthony Buchanan Wines: A celebrated limited interventionist with his handcrafted approach, continues with his unique offerings. Trained in Washington, and leaning into his favorite grape varieties not available in BC, he's created masterful Petit Sirah, Mourvedre, and Chenin Blanc. 

Clos du Soleil: This Similkameen Valley winery, known for its Bordeaux-style blends, has created a series of wines in the "Crafted in BC" program. Their dedication to quality remains paramount and the wines feature lower alcohol. Fantastic idea given the rising demand for low & no alcohol beverages.

Tantalus Vineyards: A pioneer in Riesling and Pinot Noir, Tantalus sourced grapes from Oregon continuing their focus on Pinot Noir and their high standards. 

Dirty Laundry Vineyard: This popular Summerland winery is actively participating and applauding the initiative as a way to support the local industry.

Hester Creek Estate Winery: A significant player in the Oliver region, Hester Creek has openly supported the "Crafted in BC" program as a vital step for the industry's recovery.

Township 7 Vineyards & Winery: They have sourced Chardonnay grapes from Sonoma, California, demonstrating their transparent approach to this program. These wines are delicious.

Corcelettes Estate Winery: This Similkameen winery is another key participant in the "Crafted in BC" efforts, striving to maintain their production of acclaimed wines. I love their authenticity as they build friendships across the border to work with like-minded growers.

Quails' Gate Estate Winery: A highly respected Okanagan winery, Quails' Gate has released wines under the "Crafted in BC" label, including their Field and Flight Pinot Gris with grapes from California. You can find these wines everywhere.

Poplar Grove Winery: A leader in the BC wine scene, Poplar Grove has been at the forefront, releasing their Cascadia Pinot Gris and Rosé with grapes sourced from Washington's Horse Heaven Hills and Yakima Valley regions. Why not visit the tasting room and stay for lunch.

Fort Berens Estate Winery: They have also produced "Here and There Chardonnay" under the "Crafted in BC" umbrella, utilizing grapes from outside the province.

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards: Known for their commitment to sustainable viticulture, Tinhorn Creek has transparently communicated their use of Washington and Oregon grapes for their 2024 vintage, ensuring quality and continuity.

Great Estates Okanagan (including Sumac Ridge, Jackson-Triggs, See Ya Later Ranch, Saintly): This group of wineries has also released "Crafted in BC" wines, showcasing how widespread the impact of the cold snap was and how many wineries are taking advantage of this temporary program.

​This temporary program is a lifeline, allowing our wineries to continue their craft and provide us with the excellent wines we love, while their vineyards recover. The goal is to return to 100% BC-grown fruit as quickly as possible. Cross your fingers for a great year of growing and a smoke free, frost free September.

While the shelves might look a little different, the mission is clear: support local. Go and grab a bottle of "Crafted in BC", know you're backing BC winemakers who are dedicated to their industry and their craft, so please spread the word. This is how we can continue to have a wine industry in BC – by drinking good wine, no matter where the grapes initially blossomed, as long as it's crafted with heart right here in BC.