Growers and wineries took the time during a hectic harvest and crush period to respond to the Orchard & Vine 2016 Wine Survey.
Hopes & Dreams
Although most respondents represent the diversity of the Okanagan Valley, we also received several replies from nearly all other wine-producing areas of BC including Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland, the Shuswap and the Kootenays.
Survey Varietals
Favourite Varieties
Winner of 2016 favourite varietals are Pinot Noir in red and Pinot Gris for white. Foch is the runner-up, while honourable mention goes to Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay and Merlot. A few wineries mentioned grapes that took both favourite and largest crop status: Riesling, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc, and Chardonnay.
Intriguing Varieties
It is worthwhile to note the most intriguing varieties picked as winery’s favourites: Albariño, Cabernet Libre, Grüner Veltliner and Petit Verdot. The list of newly-planted varieties consists of Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Roussanne and Petite Milo, while varieties that have been removed include Merlot, Chardonnay and Kerner.
Survey Sustainability
75% of the wineries have sustainable wine programs in place, include it as part of their expansion plans, follow sustainability principles without a formal plan, or plan to increase their focus on sustainability. Respondents referred to organic certification and sustainable/biodynamic farming, composting facilities, renewable power, a grape marc recycling system, IPM pest and disease management, improving water efficiency and dry farming.
Most wine is being sold in tasting rooms, while the least utilized sales outlets are government liquor stores and farmers’ markets.
Sales and exports
While some responding wineries already exported their wines overseas, many indicated an interest in future exports to the USA, Asia and Europe, and about half of those would like to learn more about more about the nuts and bolts of exporting wine.
Wine Tours
Nearly all respondents reported that one or more new wineries have opened up in their neighbourhood and some appreciated more wineries in their area. By a 60/40 ratio, respondents indicated that the increase in wine tour companies have helped wine sales, although in some cases only slightly.
