Despite an early frost at the end of October, the winter’s warm weather has shrivelled the hopes of icewine makers. Just one winery of the 12 wineries that registered an intention with the BC Wine Authority to pick grapes for icewine this year has followed through. According to the BC Wine Institute, Bench 1775 picked …
grapes
Phylloxera found on Vancouver Island
Grape phylloxera has been detected in Vancouver Island vineyards. Phyollxera, also known as root louse, was detected by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency thanks to a grower submission. CFIA announced the discovery at the end of September. While there have been occasional detections in the Okanagan, Vancouver Island was previously free from the aphid-like insect. …
Growers, wineries welcome sustainability launch
KELOWNA – The first wines certified under a new made-in-BC sustainability program could be on shelves as early as next spring. “We are excited to be finally launching our official certification process,” says Katie Pease, program manager for Sustainable Winegrowing BC (SWBC). Originally scheduled to launch this past April, COVID-19 delayed the program’s launch until …
Cold snap hits Okanagan fruit growers
Three nights of sub-zero temperatures has brought an end to the growing season for Okanagan fruit growers. This past weekend saw temperatures dip below -5 degrees Celsius across the valley, with temperatures as low as -15 recorded in Oliver. “We’re trying to get things off as quickly as possible,” said Troy Osborne, a director of …
Wineries reopen amid COVID-19
Tweaks to public health regulations governing bars and restaurants will mean few changes for the province’s wineries. A surge in cases prompted the province’s public health officials to clamp down and ban dancing and require patrons to be seated to receive service at bars, restaurants and other licensed establishments. In addition, parties are limited to …
Top grape grower recognized
Karnail Sidhu, owner of Kalala Organic Estate Winery in West Kelowna, is the recipient of the BC Grapegrowers Association’s inaugural viticulturist of the year award. BCGA president by John Bayley presented the award to Sidhu at a small ceremony at Kalala on June 19. Bayley says the award was established, “to commend those in our …