99% of B.C.’s vineyards destroyed, what does this mean for Prince George?

“Luckily at our winery, because we do go with cold hardy fruits other than grape, we are able to actually be a little more resilient and we’re going to not have that same disruption in supply,” Bell said.

Bell says his heart goes out to all vineyards struggling, and he wants to do what he can to keep that local B.C. wine presence in stores all across the province. Not only is it a great business opportunity, he believes in the importance of supporting fellow local wine producers.

“We just want to help the entirety of the industry not have a diminished shelf space and a presence. We want to make sure that we maximize the presence because we see it as a rising tide floating all boats, including fruit wine and grape wine. As long as it’s local to B.C.”

While fruit and grape wine obviously have their differences in taste and production, the wines aren’t so drastically different as to be considered entirely different beverages. Bell knows people have their preferences, but he believes this is also a good chance for more people to try fruit wine to both enjoy its unique qualities while also recognizing the overlap it has with grape wines.

In Bell’s and the majority of wine experts opinions, there is no doubt we will see a severe shortage in B.C. wines due to the Okanagan crop disaster, but Bell believes it won’t come for at least another year.

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by Tommy Osborne

99% of B.C.’s vineyards destroyed, what does this mean for Prince George?

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