British Columbia wineries show resilience after freezes

British Columbia’s wine industry is proving its resilience after two devastating freeze events in 2023 and 2024 that wiped out vines and slashed yields. Instead of retreating, wineries are replanting, rethinking varietal placement, and investing in long-term climate resilience.

At Corcelettes Estate Winery, major replanting has allowed the team to redesign vineyard blocks, improve irrigation efficiency, employ no-till farming, and boost sustainability. Andrew Peller’s Black Hills and Tinhorn Creek vineyards accelerated a multi-year replanting plan, aligning varieties with soil and microclimates while trialing new cold-protection techniques to strengthen future crops. Bartier Bros. took decisive steps to replant nearly half its acreage, shifting away from vulnerable varieties, and adopting new training and protection methods to ensure vines can rebound from future freezes.

Across the region growers are adapting, innovation is accelerating, and B.C. wineries are positioning themselves to emerge even stronger in the years ahead.

Head to Northwest Wine Report for the full article!