Province loosens rules in support of wineries

VICTORIA — The province is loosening rules around B.C.’s wineries and liquor makers as this summer’s tourism season approaches, in a bid to soften the blow of business hardship in recent years.

Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth says in a statement that B.C. is changing policy to allow more flexibility for visitors’ ability to sample products when visiting a winery.

Wine and liquor makers are now also allowed to sell and promote products in picnic areas, as well as conduct sales of packaged products during tours.

Wine Growers BC says this January’s cold snap led to the province possibly losing 99 per cent of its typical grape production this year, following 2023’s 58 per cent drop in production also due to cold weather.