British Columbia wineries are now beginning to bottle and debut wines that are classified in the new wine category, “Crafted in BC”. This is a limited time offering that was authorized by the Vintage 2024 Relief and Support Program. This program was introduced by the British Columbia government in the summer of 2024 to help offset the devastating losses that resulted from last year’s extreme climate effects. For more information, see my November 9, 2024 post 2024: A Year to Remember in British Columbia.

This support program is enabling B.C.’s winemakers to use out-of-province grapes thus allowing wineries to keep their doors open and staff employed. This is also providing winemakers with the unique opportunity to think beyond the realms of their own vineyards by using different varietals of grapes from various climates and terroirs.

The “Crafted in BC” title is not a designation or certification but instead, a messaging approach. VQA wines, made from 100% B. C. grapes, remain the focus and the future for B.C. wineries. There is still plenty of supply in the market from previous vintages and those areas unaffected by the 2024 climate events. The “Crafted in BC” wines from the 2024 vintage will help to bridge the gap while vines recover or vineyards are replanted and B.C. wineries can return to producing wines produced from 100% British Columbia grapes.

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