Carie Jones
The BC wine region is like no other. The passion and craftsmanship that goes into every bottle of BC wine is reflected in the hands, faces and spirit of the people who make our wine. Our growers take pride in sharing their wine, working hard to provide a world-class product, while being stewards of the land – preserving our pristine wine regions for future generations while ensuring continuous improvement for a bright and prosperous future.
BC winemakers will now be able to showcase their wines as sustainably certified thanks to an industry-wide sustainability certification program launched Nov. 9, 2020, by Sustainable Winegrowing BC (SWBC), an ongoing program of The BC Wine Grape Council. Developed by volunteer SWBC committee members, representing all aspects of the BC wine industry, BC wineries can now start the certification process and show consumers they are not only producing high-quality grapes, but also protecting the environment while being socially conscious.
Since the release of the Wine BC 2030 Long-Term Strategic Plan in March 2019, the BC Wine Institute has focused on steady implementation and execution of the strategic recommendations laid out in the plan. One of the fundamental pillars of the plan focuses on advancing sustainability in BC’s wine industry and committing to an industry-wide sustainability standard. In collaboration with SWBC, the BC Wine Institute will support program goals and activities, by prioritizing communication and education to consumers, media and trade.
“The BC Wine Institute shares the Sustainable Winegrowing BC goal of enhancing sustainability in British Columbia's wine industry,” says Miles Prodan, President and CEO, BC Wine Institute. “We look forward to working together with SWBC in promoting the program in recognition of sustainable grape growing and winery practices in British Columbia, and SWBC Certified wine products to trade and consumers.”
Through the partnership, the BCWI will help SWBC promote the SWBC Certified program through multiple communication channels including newsletters, social media and educational webinars.
Sustainable practices are more than just environmentally-friendly; they also integrate the protection of the environment, profitability and social values. The criteria to become a certified vineyard or winery are extremely comprehensive, including high standards for water conservation, ecological diversity, soil health, worker safety, social benefits and more. Some BC wineries have already begun the certification process making sustainable choices in their operations that include:
- LEED certification
- Drip irrigation
- Composting and recycling to minimize waste
- Preserving local ecosystems and wildlife habitats
- Supporting local producers in the winery and at winery restaurants
BC’s wine regions are well suited to sustainable farming thanks to a dry, sunny climate with low humidity and low rainfall, combined with the hot summers and cold winters. There are few pests and diseases to worry about and as a result more and more farmers and producers are following organic, biodynamic or SWBC guidelines.
With current consumer trends showing a growing interest in sustainable practices and transparency in where and how the wine is grown and made, it’s only natural that the BC wine industry embrace the unique combination of geology, climate and geography that supports the province’s distinctive ecosystem and protect it for generations to come. We take pride in our unique wine regions and soon consumers will be able to see that reflected on bottles of BC wine marked ‘SWBC Certified’.
To learn more visit WineBC.com.
