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.

Getting Ready to Reopen 

BC Wine Institute Ready to Reopen Toolkit*
*these tools are living documents as of May 29, 2020

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.

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 

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)

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.

CEO Update

Latest BCWI CEO Update on COVID-19
KelownaNow Panel Discussion | Business Matters: adapting to the new tourism reality | May 7, 2020

Alliance of Beverage Licensees

September 24, 2020 | September 21, 2020 | September 18_2, 2020 

Wine Growers Canada Update

WATCH WGC – MNP WEBINAR | Thursday, April 30 on COVID-19, Consumers, and the Wine Market in Canada

September 24, 2020 | September 21, 2020 | September 15, 2020

BC Grapegrowers’ Association Update

July 14, 2020

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.

BCWI COVID-19 Workplace Safety Plan