Wine Growers BC says safety remains the priority as wineries and vineyards across the region respond to evacuation orders and wildfire threats
The British Columbia wine industry is responding to an escalating wildfire situation across the province, with wineries, vineyards and wine-industry workers among those affected as fires continue to threaten communities in the Okanagan and elsewhere.
According to Wine Growers British Columbia (WGBC), the immediate priority remains the safety of residents, winery and vineyard teams, emergency responders and communities impacted by the fires.
The entire district of Summerland, B.C., was placed under a mandatory evacuation order this past weekend as wildfire conditions intensified in the area. Several wineries have temporarily closed as a result of the situation, with some properties evacuated as a precaution.
Solvero Wines, located in Summerland, announced on social media August 8 that it had temporarily closed the winery and evacuated the property due to the ongoing wildfire situation affecting Summerland and nearby communities. On August 9, the winery reported that all structures on the property appeared to be untouched by the fire.
Lightning Rock Winery, also located in Summerland, has likewise reported that its winery appeared to have been spared. Several other wineries in the area have temporarily closed for safety purposes as conditions continue to evolve.
“Right now, the only priority is keeping people safe,” said Jeff Guignard, President and CEO of Wine Growers BC. “Our thoughts are with everyone who has been displaced or impacted by these fires, and we are deeply grateful to the firefighters, first responders, emergency crews, local officials, and volunteers working around the clock to protect people, homes, and businesses.”
WGBC says it is in direct contact with affected wineries, government, industry and tourism partners to understand emerging needs and help coordinate support.
The organization is also working to turn offers of assistance from across the wine community into practical support for affected businesses and their teams. Depending on emerging needs, this could include temporary staff accommodation, accommodation for animals, temperature-controlled storage, transportation, labour, equipment and other industry resources.
“It is still far too early to assess what the fires may mean for individual wineries, vineyards, or the 2026 vintage,” said Guignard. “Conditions are changing quickly and impacts can vary dramatically from one property to another. Wine Growers BC will not speculate about vine loss, wine quality, or potential smoke impacts while people are still dealing with evacuations and emergency crews are responding.”
British Columbia’s wine industry spans nine distinct wine regions across a large geographic area, with conditions varying considerably from community to community. WGBC is urging residents and visitors to put safety first, follow all evacuation orders, alerts and directions from emergency officials, and check current road and wildfire conditions before travelling.
Winery operating status can also change quickly. Those planning to visit B.C. wine country are encouraged to check directly with individual wineries before travelling and to avoid areas where evacuation orders, alerts or other travel advisories are in effect.
Supporting affected communities
Wine Growers BC is encouraging those who wish to help consider supporting organizations assisting people affected by the wildfires, including the Community Foundation South Okanagan Similkameen and Mamas for Mamas Okanagan Wildfire Relief. Those looking to assist are also encouraged to check with local emergency and community response centres for current needs and opportunities to help.
“BC wine has always been a close-knit community, and we are already seeing wineries and people across our industry asking what they can do to help,” said Guignard. “Our role is to help turn that goodwill into practical support, stand behind the people and communities directly affected, and make sure our wineries and growers know they will not have to navigate what comes next alone.”
As the immediate emergency response continues, WGBC says it will remain in contact with affected wineries, growers and government partners. Once conditions stabilize, the organization will also work to understand business interruption, vineyard and crop impacts, technical and regulatory needs, and the longer-term recovery support that may be required.
For current information
Wine Growers BC recommends checking the following sources for the latest wildfire, evacuation, road and winery operating information:
- EmergencyInfoBC and the BC Wildfire Service for current wildfire information, evacuation orders and alerts.
- DriveBC for current road and travel conditions.
- Individual winery websites and social media channels for current operating information before travelling.
The post BC wine industry responds as wildfires impact Summerland and Okanagan communities appeared first on VineRoutes | Wine Lifestyle.