BC VQA (Vintners Quality Alliance) is the appellation of origin and quality standard for British Columbia wine, established in 1990. BC VQA certified wines must meet standards with respect to their origin, vintage and varietals. These wines are assessed by a qualified panel and must meet the criteria for quality characteristics before they can be designated as BC VQA. To put it simply, when you see BC VQA on a bottle, it is your guarantee that you’re sipping a wine that is 100% grown and made in British Columbia.
For more information about BC VQA regulations, view the Wines of Marked Quality Regulation. The Regulation is governed by the BC Wine Authority.
1. Name of Winery
2. Vintage
3. Name of Wine or Varietal
4. Assurance of quality and where grapes are grown
Click an image to explore a Geographical Indication (GI)
- 100% British Columbia grapes
- 9 Geographical Indications (GI)
- 12 Sub-Geographical Indications (Lake Country, East Kelowna Slopes, South Kelowna Slopes, Summerland Bench, Summerland Lakefront, Summerland Valleys, Golden Mile Bench, Golden Mile Slopes, Okanagan Falls, Skaha Bench, Naramata Bench and Cowichan Valley
- 95% of grapes must come from specific region mentioned on the label
- 85% of grapes must come from the vintage stated on the label
- 85% of grapes must be the stated varietal
The BC wine industry has faced unique challenges recently, including severe cold snaps that impacted the 2023 and 2024 harvests. To ensure local wineries can continue to operate and keep their talented teams employed, a temporary solution has been introduced for 2024 vintage.
What are Crafted in BC Wines?
For one year only, some BC wineries will be using grapes or juice sourced from outside of BC – such as Washington, Oregon, or Ontario – to produce wines locally. These wines will be crafted, bottled, and sold in BC, but will not be labeled as BC VQA. Instead, they will be clearly marked to show where the grapes originated, ensuring complete transparency.
Will There Still Be BC VQA Wines?
Absolutely! BC VQA wines will continue to be available throughout this transition, made from 100% BC-grown grapes and representing the highest standard of quality and authenticity. When you see the BC VQA label, you can trust that you’re enjoying a wine crafted exclusively from BC’s unique terroir.
Why was Crafted in BC Started?
An extreme cold event which occurred early 2024 meant many vineyards couldn’t produce a crop in 2024, leading to a potential gap in local wine availability. Crafted in BC wines provide a way to keep wineries running, staff employed, and shelves stocked, all while maintaining the high standards of quality BC wine lovers expect.
What Does This Mean for You?
By choosing Crafted in BC wines, you’re supporting local businesses during a challenging time. These wines offer a unique opportunity to experience BC winemakers’ craftsmanship with grapes from other regions, all while helping the industry bounce back for a strong 2025 harvest and beyond.
