We’re Here to Help You Respond with Confidence
Wine Growers British Columbia acts as a representative, partner, and advisor to winery businesses when emergencies or crises arise that may impact your operations, your visitors, or the reputation of BC wine.
By providing accurate, coordinated messaging and acting as a liaison between the wine industry, media, and government, we aim to reduce confusion, protect your business, and minimize the economic impact of crisis events.
How We Support the Industry
Stay Informed, Stay Prepared
During times of stress and uncertainty, it’s important to:
• Rely only on official sources for emergency updates.
• Prepare your team with aligned messaging and safety plans.
• Plan your communications using our issue briefs and social graphics.
You’ll find all current, active messaging and resources below.
Current Issues & Messaging
If there is an event currently affecting the BC wine industry, you’ll find the relevant information and messaging in the listed Issue Brief. We encourage all wineries and partners to align their messaging (including visuals) to ensure consistency and clarity.
Supporting BC wineries through an evolving wildfire situation
The Bald Range wildfire has significantly impacted Summerland, a community in the central Okanagan Valley home to around 25 wineries and cideries. There has been an incredible response from emergency services and from the community, including wineries outside the evacuation zone that have stepped up to support evacuees and impacted winery teams.
Wineries within the evacuation area are currently closed, and while we have received encouraging updates from members about the safety of their properties, it is too early to speculate on any losses or the potential impact on this year’s harvest. What matters right now is that the Summerland wineries, their teams and the broader community are safe and supported. The BC wine community has really come together to make sure of that.
It is also important to remember that the Okanagan Valley is a large region, and this is a localized impact. Beyond the Okanagan, BC has nine distinct wine regions, many of which are not affected by the current situation. Check official sources such as DriveBC and BC Wildfire Service for current conditions.
Wine Growers British Columbia is closely following official emergency information and staying connected with wineries, regional partners, industry organizations and government as the situation develops. For the latest industry updates, available resources and information from WGBC, follow us on LinkedIn. You can also access the latest updates from our CEO here.
Communications Resources for Wineries
At this stage, it is important not to speculate about potential vineyard losses, smoke impacts or the quality of the current vintage. Conditions vary significantly by vineyard and region, and it is too early to understand the full impact. Where it is safe to do so, BC wineries continue welcoming guests.
Communications Guide for Wineries >
Date Updated: August 2026
Navigating an issue not listed above? We likely have facts, figures, and messaging prepared. Do not hesitate to reach out.
Follow WGBC on social platforms for the most up-to-date guidance: LinkedIn – X (formerly Twitter) – Facebook – Instagram
Useful Links
Wines of BC Media Kit
Find Live Updates at EmergencyInfoBC.gov.bc.ca
Information of road conditions at DriveBC.ca
