Have you ever wondered what are the most widely planted vitis vinifera grapes in BC, or how about how many wineries we now have? The new 2019 B.C. Wine Grape Acreage Report is out and provides us with an update since the last report in 2014. I was a little surprised at the positions of Syrah and Riesling in the list.
Here is the press release about the report with highlight info, and a link to the full report for your edification, emancipation, and education!
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British Columbia – According to the 2019 B.C. Wine Grape Acreage Report, new data shows vineyard acreage in British Columbia has increased by eight percent since the last report produced in 2014.
B.C. is now home to 11,086 acres of wine grapes, up from 10,260 acres in 2014. The report further shows growth in the number of vineyards from 929 in 2014 to 1,049 in 2019, and the number of grape wineries in the province has also increased to its present count of 282 (up 11 percent from 254 in 2014). The Penticton, Naramata and Kaledon region boasts the highest percentage of total wineries at 18.4 percent. Oliver and Osoyoos saw the largest increase of grape acreage at 7.3 percent and remains a major source of acreage in B.C. with just over 50 percent of plantings.
Top wine grapes planted in 2019 show only slight variance from the previous report, with Pinot Noir replacing Pinot Gris as the second most planted variety. Merlot remains the top planted red grape with 1,618 acres planted and Pinot Gris remains the top planted white grape at 1,166 acres planted. In order of acreage, 2019’s top 10 most planted wine varieties in order of acres are as follows:
- Merlot (1,618.85)
- Pinot Noir (1,331.94)
- Pinot Gris (1,166.57)
- Chardonnay (1,132.31)
- Cabernet Sauvignon (853.41)
- Cabernet Franc (719.52)
- Gewürztraminer (646.47)
- Riesling (613.13)
- Syrah (553.86)
- Sauvignon Blanc (403.01)
“The development of the 2019 B.C. Wine Grape Acreage Report supports Wine BC 2030 goals and aligns with Wine Growers British Columbia (WGBC)’s annual operational plan objectives to provide all B.C. wineries and grape growers with access to accurate provincial acreage figures by region and variety,” says Miles Prodan, President, and CEO, Wine Growers British Columbia. “We’re incredibly grateful for the collaborative efforts of the B.C. wine associations on this important initiative and especially thank the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, for their support of this project.”
The data, collected through a province-wide industry survey and collaborative review of information reported to the B.C. wine industry associations, analyzes the vineyard landscape across the province to assess trends in wine grape farming and help improve industry planning and business forecasting.
The report is available on WineBC.com, as well as on the B.C. Wine Grape Council website: bcwgc.org and the B.C. Grapegrowers’ Association website: grapegrowers.bc.ca.
Funding for this project was provided by the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries and in part by Wine Growers British Columbia, the B.C. Wine Grape Council, B.C. Grapegrowers’ Association and the B.C. Wine Authority.
About Wine Growers British Columbia (WGBC) (formerly British Columbia Wine Institute):
Since 1990, WGBC has played a pivotal role in taking B.C.’s wine industry from a vision to an internationally recognized niche region producing premium wines and providing exceptional wine tourism experiences.
WGBC markets the wine and regions of B.C.; delivers quality trade, media and consumer tastings; and acts as the voice of B.C.’s wine industry by advocating to government on behalf of industry that contributes $2.8 billion in provincial economic growth annually.
WGBC represents all wineries in British Columbia to grow the premium market share for the Wines of British Columbia, while driving awareness of our world-class wines and tourism product – currently drawing 1,000,000 visitors with $600 million in tourism and tourism employment related economic impact every year.
For more information about Wine Growers British Columbia’s member programs and services, please visit WineBC.com.
