When public health restrictions to fight COVID-19 came into effect earlier this year, wine production was named an essential service alongside other agricultural enterprises.
Now, the province’s wineries are emphasizing their connection with primary production through a new name for their trade organization, Wine Growers BC.
The name change was endorsed at the annual general meeting of the BC Wine Institute this week, held via videoconference to comply with public health protocols. The institute has 153 voting members, meaning delegates would exceed the number of people able to meet together safely.
The move brings the BC organization in line with others across the country, including the industry’s national umbrella organization, Wine Growers Canada (formerly the Canadian Vintners Association) and Wine Growers Ontario (formerly the Winery and Grower Alliance of Ontario).
The mandate of the BC association remains the same, focusing on the promotion of wines made entirely from BC grapes. It works in collaboration with other industry organizations including the BC Grape Growers Association and the BC Wine Grape Council to advance the industry, which is overseen by the BC Wine Authority.
One recent project is the BC Winery Resource Guide, developed by winemaker Sandra Oldfield with the backing of the four industry organizations with funding from the BC Ministry of Agriculture and the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC.
With files from Myrna Stark Leader
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