Media Releases

For Immediate Release:

May 19, 2016

(Kelowna, BC) – Not only was 2015 a stunning vintage, but it also produced a growing crop which will help quench the rising thirst for the Wines of British Columbia national and internationally.

It has been two years since the last crop report, but this week, the 2015 British Columbia Wine Grape Crop Report was released and shows an increase of 1% (from 31,383 to 31,640 tons) over 2013 in total estimated tonnage. While this may not seem significant, it is important to note that the current tonnage reflects a balanced industry with sufficient supply for our important local market, as well as growing international markets. Prior to 2013, the industry experienced several short crops before the crop levels finally increased.

BC Wine Institute President/CEO Miles Prodan is pleased to see the overall growth in the tonnage and notes that BC VQA Wine sales over the last year have done the same. “Over the past year, BC VQA Wine sales have increased by nearly 12% in the province, which demonstrates the consumer’s continued support of the category and thirst for locally grown and produced 100% BC VQA Wines.”

Despite not having a significant change in overall estimated tonnage, there was a big difference between the total estimated tons of red and white varieties harvested. The total white estimated tonnage went up 10.5%, while the red estimated tonnage went down 8.5%. The major contributors to this change were significant swings in estimated tonnages of Pinot Gris (up 23%), Sauvignon Blanc (up 18%), Riesling (up 27%) and Merlot (down 19%).

Manfred Freese of the BC Grapegrowers’ Association noted that the substantial increases in Pinot Gris and Riesling are in line with industry expectations based on increased acreage in Kelowna and Lake Country. He also remarked that frost damage was likely the main culprit behind the decrease in red tonnage. Merlot in particular was hit hard in parts of the Valley. There was also a slight decrease in Merlot acreage, dropping 2% from 2011 to 2014.

Although there may be a little less red to go around this year, the quality of the entire 2015 vintage is exceptional. With the whites currently hitting the shelves to rave reviews, we can be thankful that, with the early arrival of summer, there will be a few more of vibrant BC VQA white wines to enjoy this season.

2015 BC Wine Grape Tonnage* by Variety – Top 10

To view the full 2015 BC Wine Grape Crop Report, visit WineBC.org.

*Tonnage reported in short tons. Note, participation in this survey is voluntary; therefore the tonnages reported here may differ from actual industry tonnages.