Wine Growers British Columbia (WGBC) 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, Food and Fisheries, 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.
NEW: BC’s Restart: A four-step plan to bring us back together as of May 25, 2021
CEO Update
Ready to Reopen 2.0
Wine Growers British Columbia Ready to Reopen 2.0 Toolkit*
*these tools are living documents as of June 15, 2021
BC WINE INDUSTRY: IMPACT OF COVID-19 SURVEY RESULTS
An industry-wide survey conducted in August 2020 by Wine Growers British Columbia (WGBC) 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. The WGBC 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.
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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 response to COVID-19
- WorkSafeBC:
- Destination BC, Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture
- Destination Canada
- Government of Canada
- HealthLinkBC
BC Restaurant and Food Services Association Updates - BCRFA COVID-19 Employer Resources
go2HR COVID-19 Resources - Health and Safety Resources
- BSAFE Online Health and Safety Training Program
The WGBC 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
Key Links – BC Centre for Disease Control
Latest COVID-19 Information
Food Businesses
Employers & Businesses
Non-medical information about COVID-19 is available 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM, 7 days a week at 1-888-COVID19 (1-888-268-4319)
Social responsibility social media graphics for WGBC 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
• 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
Wine Growers BC (WGBC) supports the government’s continued efforts to minimize the risk and spread of the COVID-19 virus. We continue to adhere to government regulations regarding large events and are committed to creating safe, small-scale event environments with a focus on physical distancing and risk mitigation, including minimizing contact points and working with venues that carry out the highest standards of sanitation. Check the Industry Events page for updates.
