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Anthony Gismondi on Wine

The 2015 harvest began in the Okanagan last week, approximately two weeks earlier than 'normal', if there is such a thing as normal anymore.

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. 

Written By: TR
Treve Ring
Treve Ring

Treve Ring is a wine writer and editor, judge and speaker, and perpetual traveller. She is based on Vancouver Island, Canada, though is most often found on a plane or in a vineyard. After completing her Art History degree with Distinction from the University of Victoria and being exposed to the world of wine business at Christie’s in London, England, she switched gears, leaving the realm of art for the world of wine. She is a certified sommelier, WSET diploma holder, Champagne Master, Wine Scholar Guild instructor, and certified Sherry instructor, and has been presenting on wine internationally since co-founding Cru Consultancy, a boutique wine education and consultation company, in 2012. She is the current Chair of the Vancouver Island Sommelier Association.