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Monte Creek Ranch
Monte Creek Ranch Winery is located in one of the four new regions recognized by VQA wines.
BC’s wine industry is growing, in more ways than one, as the BC Government announced in April that four new regions are being recognized for the production of VQA wines.
The four new regions will be officially recognized later this year in celebration of BC Wine Month. Buyers will then be able to buy BC VQA wines clearly identified as coming from the Thompson Valley, Shuswap, Lillooet and the Kootenays.
The four areas are being established as geographic indications, a standard element of appellation systems used around the world that help people identify wines in the marketplace, provide assurance as to the origin and quality of the wine, and promote agri-tourism.
British Columbia currently has six official geographical indications: British Columbia (provincial), Vancouver Island, Gulf Islands, Fraser Valley, Similkameen Valley and the Okanagan Valley.
“By helping B.C.’s wine regions identify and promote their own terroir, and making it easier for smaller wine producers to participate in the BC VQA program, B.C. wine drinkers will be able to make more informed choices as they select, enjoy and buy B.C. wines,” said Minister of Agriculture Lana Popham.
The use of unregulated geographical indications will be prohibited by participating wineries as well, further strengthening the reputation and assurances that BC VQA wines are as advertised, and made from grapes grown in the regions on their labels. The Ministry of Agriculture will also support industry efforts to identify new sub-geographical indications, to help bring more distinction to the multiple wine growing areas of the Okanagan Valley and other regions. Currently, the province only has one official sub-geographical indication, the Golden Mile Bench near Oliver.
“Recognition of these new official geographical indications, and addition of sub-appellations, reflects the maturation and progress of B.C.’s premium wine industry,” said Miles Prodan, president and CEO of the British Columbia Wine Institute. “Not only are they a marketing tool for the regions, but also for wines made using certified 100% B.C. grapes.”
The B.C. government will support smaller operations by establishing flat fees for the BC VQA program for small wineries to ensure participation isn’t cost prohibitive. Currently, over 176 wineries participate in the program, regulated by the British Columbia Wine Authority (BCWA), representing approximately 75% of licensed grape wineries in the province.
“Monte Creek Ranch Winery is very passionate about the wines produced from our site in the Thompson Valley,” said Erik Fisher, general manager of Monte Creek Ranch Winery. “Our winery has, and continues to make, significant investments in producing premium wines from this new emerging region. We are thrilled to be able to identify our wines from this special region, and to now be able to aid consumers in navigating B.C.’s unique terroir. “
