Photo by BCWI
Autumn View in Okanagan Falls
It seems the one constant in Canada's wine industry is growth. While the seasons change, and the climate changes, Canada continues to see strong and lasting growth in acres planted, number of wineries, wine prices, revenues and profits. Our country is overcoming the prejudices of consumers who saw the 'Frozen North' as too cold to possibly turn out a quality wine. In every other way, change is the other constant. We surveyed wine producers in the Okanagan Valley to get a snapshot of the industry. Our thanks to the many producers who passed on their knowledge about the most successful varietals, the shift to organic, and the growth in their business.
Wine Survery Question 1 & 2
Reader Comments
"We are responsible growers who use organics as much as possible."
"We are working towards being more sustainable but will not be looking for organic certification at this time."
"We are aiming for sustainable growing versus fully certified organic."
Wine Survey Q 3
How was your business affected by the smoke this year?
Wine Survey Q4
Reader Comments
"I think people will still come to visit, but hopefully the smoke will settle down within the next couple of years. Tourists can only handle smoke so many times before they stop visiting entirely."
"July and August business was down 15% but we made it all up in September and October."
"The smoke did affect visitors. I am concerned about the long term effect it will have on future planning of our tourists."
Regarding tourism and the term Smokanagan, do you feel visitors will continue to visit the Okanagan and BC in August next year?
Wine Survey Q5
"Not if we call it the Smokanagan as you did in this question. 3 years turns people off."
"Visitor count was way off when we had the smoke and after as well."
"Our visitors were down significantly but our sales were up as we had visitors who were here for wine and not as many people looking for something to do while on vacation but not that interested in wine."
"I am hoping people are optimistic that what we have experienced will not be an every year event. They may adjust the timing of their vacation."
"I think people will still come to visit… tourists can only handle smoke so many times before they stop visiting entirely. "
"We also had construction on our road, so it is tough to say how much of it was due to that. By mid August, we felt as if many tourists left. It really slowed down towards the end of August too considering that should still be a peak time of year for us."
What would you like the government to do to support growth in the wine industry? Reader Comments
WSQ6.5
WSQ6
Will the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Affect your wine business?
WS Q8
Reader Comments
"Grocery shouldn't have happened at the expense of the VQA wine stores closing down. The loss of those VQA stores was a foolish move from a business perspective. Those stores created a lot of loyal dedicated customers for many wineries… too bad this has been put to an end."
"It will force producers who sell in grocery stores to up their game to be able to compete."
"Lower grocery sales. VQA sales once were a significant channel, but sold out by BCWI. California wines continue to dominant channels, segments, marketing, events, etc. "
