PENTICTON, British Columbia — To say that British Columbia’s wine industry is on edge at the start of the 2024 vintage is either a gargantuan understatement, an unwelcome doom-and-gloom sentiment or a distant curiosity for those neither a part of the industry nor adjacent to it.I’ve been a supporter in a variety of ways since I returned to my hometown of Penticton, about an … [Read more...] about The tenuous state of British Columbia wine
High hopes for high-elevation Garnet Valley Ranch Winery in Okanagan Valley of British Columbia
SUMMERLAND, British Columbia — The word winery is perhaps a misnomer for this wild, rustic and environmentally immersive experience above Summerland, British Columbia. Yes, there are wines produced under a “less is more” philosophy by New Zealand native Matt Dumayne. But to paraphrase a Broadway musical, chicks and ducks may scurry as you make your way over the unpaved road … [Read more...] about High hopes for high-elevation Garnet Valley Ranch Winery in Okanagan Valley of British Columbia
Crown & Thieves: 2023 British Columbia Winery to Watch
WEST KELOWNA, British Columbia — You’re in a punk band in the ‘80s, and you’ve figured out that high school is not for you. And akin to a scene from the Queen biopic, the tour van for the band breaks down. With that, serendipity kicks in. That’s how Jason Parkes — who views himself as “just a guy with a beard” — began as a winemaker. He’s now the frontman for Jason … [Read more...] about Crown & Thieves: 2023 British Columbia Winery to Watch
British Columbia success with beer in cans carries into wine
PENTICTON, British Columbia — At one point in Canadian beer history, almost all of the suds sold above the 49th parallel were in bottles. Tall, short or ‘stubby,’ glass was the industry standard. Now? Nearly 90 percent of craft beer, except for large formats, is sold in cans, according to Evan Singer, national sales manager for Vessel Packaging Co., a leader in canning … [Read more...] about British Columbia success with beer in cans carries into wine
Okanagan Winter Wine Festival returns
After taking some time to pause and reflect, the Okanagan Wine Festivals is beginning 2023 with a reset and reboot. Known in British Columbia for its signature fall wine festival and wine competition, secondary seasonal fests became part of the blend in recent years — pre-pandemic — in spring, summer and winter. However, a new vision is emerging with a fresh board of … [Read more...] about Okanagan Winter Wine Festival returns