Record Heat Brings Harvest & Fire to BC

A hot, dry spring and summer has forced the hands of numerous growers to pick earlier than expected, and while some winemakers scrambled to organize pickers and facilities, others scrambled as their vineyards and wineries were threatened by wildfires. The dry season has made the forests and fields easy kindling for summer lightening strikes and human carelessness. I was in Oliver and Osoyoos last week as lightening-lit fires raged uncontained, and was very impressed by the way the tight-knit community came together to protect and direct each other, using social media and neighbourhood watches. Thankfully, no vineyards or wineries were damaged (though some  came terrifyingly close) in these two fires, and no people were hurt, though many displaced. Massive thanks to all the brave firefighters and rescue crews working around the clock saving homes, businesses and livlihoods. Now it's our turn; please remember that the wineries, hotels and restaurants in Oliver and Osoyoos are open for business, and now is the time (more than ever) to show your support for their communities and our industry.