EXPLORE BC WINE

World-class wines in our own backyard

In 1990, Wine Growers BC (WGBC [formerly the BC Wine Institute]) along with the BC Vintners Quality Alliance was created by a small group of pioneering winemakers and grape growers. WGBC is a volunteer, membership-based, not for profit society. Their mission is to advocate for BC wineries dedicated in producing 100% BC grape wines. The organization represents all wineries in British Columbia to grow the premium market share for the Wines of British Columbia, while driving awareness of BC’s world-class wines and tourism product - currently the industry draws 1,000,000 visitors with $600 million in tourism and tourism employment.

BC WINE INDUSTRY FACTS

• The BC wine industry contributes 2.8 billion annually to the

• WGBC has 180 winery members representing 94% of BC Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) wine sales in British Columbia.

• BC VQA Wine continues to be the second-best selling category in BC

• 929 vineyards with more than 10,499 acres of planted land (wineries and independent growers)

• 80+ grape varieties produced

• BC’s wine industry has grown from just 19 grape wineries in 1990 to more than 284 today (as of January 2020).

EXPLORE A BC WINE REGION!

This summer, if the COVID-19 safety restrictions allow us to do so, let's explore BC and enjoy a taste of 100% BC wine. Pack up the car and hit the road! There are more than 10,499 acres of vineyards in British Columbia with nine geographical indications: Okanagan Valley, Similkameen Valley, Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, Thompson Valley, Lillooet, Shuswap, Kootenays and beyond. Here are some touring tips from Wine Growers BC to kick start your wine tour planning.

BE CAREFUL

Wine and winding roads don’t go together. If your hand is holding the glass, make sure a designated driver is holding the wheel.

CALL

Book in advance for tours and tastings, especially if you’re travelling in a group. Some wineries are seasonal, others have irregular hours and they all want you to enjoy your visit.

STAY COOL

Wine can spoil and boil over in a hot trunk. Bring along a cooler to make sure the wine you like at the tasting is the wine you take home.

EAT

Many wineries have restaurants – take advantage of one to enjoy a spectacular meal. If you’re more of a do-it-yourself type, bring along a picnic lunch. Some wineries have picnic areas – buy a bottle of wine and enjoy the view.

ENJOY

Whether you are touring some of BC’s renowed wineries or simply sipping at home, remember to savour the moment and enjoy the fruits of our labour!

Of course, things look different now and some COVID restrictions may alter your plans. Download the Wines of BC Explorer App to get up-to-date information on BC wineries operating hours and elevated winery experiences. It's also best to call ahead and find out exactly what protocols and procedures the winery may have in place before visiting.

WINES OF BC EXPLORER APP

Whether we are lucky to be back to travelling this great province of ours this summer or not, you can still explore all that BC has to offer with WGBC’s Wines of BC Explorer App.

Use the app to do the taste test and find out what wines are recommended for you, research wineries by region or find the perfect wine pairing for your summer meal that can be shipped directly to your door.

HEIRLOOM TOMATO SALAD

Makes enough for 4 salads

Try out this tasty salad for your next dinner. Courtesy of Natasha Schooten – Terrafina at Hester Creek Winery. This recipe can also be found in The Butcher, The Baker, The Wine & Cheese Maker – An Okanagan Cookbook

SALAD

2 heirloom tomatoes, cut into quarters 1 ball (175 g) buffalo mozzarella, torn into 12 pieces

BALSAMICO REDUCTION

Yield: ¼ cup INGREDIENTS

¾ cup (200 mL) of red wine vinegar (1 bottle) 1 ½ cup (400 mL) of white balsamico vinegar (2 bottles) 4 cups (1 L) port 2 tbsp (30 mL) honey

METHOD

1. Put both the vinegars in a saucepot and bring to rapid simmer until the liquid is reduced by one third. 2. Add the port and keep reducing at rapid simmer rate. 3. When liquid is reduced by half, add in the honey and reduce until syrup consistency. 4. Store at room temperature until ready to use.

2. Add the port and keep reducing at rapid simmer rate.

3. When liquid is reduced by half, add in the honey and reduce until syrup consistency

4. Store at room temperature until ready to use.

To serve: Use a pastry brush, “paint” a line of reduction across the bottom of each plate. Add two pieces of tomato and three pieces of buffalo mozzarella, arranging as you like. Top with a nice kosher salt and a little of the canola oil,then finish with the balsamico reduction.

BC PRODUCERS TO LOOK FOR

Golden Ears Cheesecrafters (Buffalo Mozarella) KB Honey Family, Elias Honey Ltd. (honey) bcfarmersmarkettrail.com (produce)

Oliva's (White Balsamic Vinegar) Shop the full line up of oils & vinegars on their onlineshop, oliviasonline.ca

For more pairing recipes or more information onWGBC visit winebc.com

Story by Sierra Simpson