The BC Wine Institute (BCWI) supports the government’s continued efforts to minimize the risk and spread of the COVID-19 virus. We continue to work closely with the Ministry of Agriculture, Provincial and Federal ministries, Wine Growers Canada, Destination Canada, Destination BC and other industry stakeholders and partners to assess current and potential impact of the virus on our wine, food and tourism industry.
BC WINE INDUSTRY: IMPACT OF COVID-19 SURVEY RESULTS
A recent industry-wide survey conducted by the BC Wine Institute (BCWI) in collaboration with the BC Grapegrowers’ Association and Leger Marketing, found 83 per cent of wineries and grapegrowers have been negatively impacted by COVID-19. In August, the BCWI engaged market research and analytics company, Leger Marketing to conduct an industry-wide survey to help understand and assess the extent of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the BC wine industry, the effectiveness of provincial and federal relief programs and the perceived challenges for the future. According to key findings from the survey results, one in 10 BC wineries and grapegrowers noted that they are at risk of closing due to COVID-19, with 58 per cent seeing a loss in revenue and 55 per cent having reduced access to customers.
Read the full results here.
Getting Ready to Reopen
BC Wine Institute Ready to Reopen Toolkit*
*these tools are living documents as of May 29, 2020
- Winery and Hospitality Best Practices
- Winery Checklist
- Winery and Hospitality Key Messages
- Winery Website Template
- Social Media Guidelines
- Poster
BCWI Webinar: Reopening Tasting Rooms and Hospitality Recommendations
WATCH WEBINAR | May 22, 2020
NEW: LCRB announces temporary extension of patio and service areas
WorkSafeBC
Guidelines for restaurants, cafés and pubs
COVID-19 Safety Plan
Guide for Employers
Provincial Health Order
BC Restaurant and Food Services Association Updates
BCRFA COVID-19 Best Practices
What you need to know
The following links to official and trusted sources provide regular updates on the current COVID-19 situation and provide industry-specific information.
- B.C.’s Restart Plan
- WorkSafeBC Backgrounder
- Destination BC, Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture
- Destination Canada
- Government of Canada
- HealthLinkBC
- BC Government Business and Mental Health Supports
The BCWI has coordinated efforts with key stakeholders including Wine Growers Canada (WGC) to develop key resources specific to the BC wine industry and its member wineries.
Industry Q&A COVID-19 (April 22, 2020)
COVID-19 Key Messaging-updated May 7, 2020
Message to Wine Club Members & Guests
Key Links – BC Centre for Disease Control
Latest COVID-19 Information
Food Businesses
Employers & Businesses
What you can do
The BC Wine Institute (BCWI) hosted two webinar updates on BCWI efforts and plans in response to COVID-19. Please click the links below to access a replay of each webinar.
WATCH WEBINAR | Thursday, April 16 with special guest Hon. Lana Popham, BC Minister of Agriculture.
WATCH WEBINAR | Tuesday, March 24
Thank you to everyone who completed the weekly impact survey. All of the information collected was anonymous with overall results to be regularly shared with Destination BC and Agriculture Minister, Lana Popham and her Minister colleagues as we work together with other key ministries to assist the BC wine industry in both the short- and long-term.
Social responsibility social media graphics for BCWI members
BC wineries support the responsible enjoyment of BC VQA Wine. In securing the health of our communities during COVID-19, and in co-operation with messages shared by Wine Growers Canada, we now have BC Wine education graphics to ensure a responsible moderation message is received. Education graphics are available here.
Alliance of Beverage Licensees
Wine Growers Canada Update
WATCH WGC – MNP WEBINAR | Thursday, April 30 on COVID-19, Consumers, and the Wine Market in Canada
BC Grapegrowers’ Association Update
BC Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch new policy directive
Who to follow online
Follow Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, on Twitter: @CPHO_Canada
Follow BC CDC on Twitter for regular updates: @CDCofBC
Hashtag: #COVID19BC #COVID19Canada #COVID19
Event cancellations and/or postponements
Following the direction of the Province and Provincial Health Authority, we have postponed and/or cancelled the following BC wine consumer and industry events, including BC VQA wine store tastings in an attempt to help flatten the curve.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
BRITISH COLUMBIA WINE INSTITUTE
Kelowna, BC V1Y 9R9
info@winebc.com
p: 250-762-9744 f: 250-762-9788
tf: 1-800-661-2294
The BCWI is a volunteer, membership-based, not for profit society.
