Interior wineries asking visitors to stay away from the region due to wildfires
Posted August 17, 2021 2:58 pm.
Last Updated August 17, 2021 3:04 pm.
PEACHLAND (NEWS 1130) — People planning wine tours in the Interior are being asked to consider putting them off — for now.
Head of the B.C. Wine Growers of British Columbia Miles Prodan says while they clearly want to welcome people to wineries around B.C., the concern for people who may need to evacuate, and keeping the roads clear for them, is greater.
Prodan says some people have already chosen to make other plans.
“What we are seeing is those reservations for this summer are starting to be cancelled, because of people’s concerns of just staying out of the way during fires,” he says.
The call comes after some roads in and out of the province’s wine regions are being closed because of wildfires, and leaving few options for evacuees.
Read More: Do not travel to fire-affected areas, urges B.C. public safety minister
He says cancellations are the right choice, given the wildfire situation across the province.
“It’s a fluid changing situation. Check before you go, and just be weary. If you can postpone until later this summer, we’d advise you to do that,” he says.
Prodan is hoping people who cancel their trips consider ordering online, as many wineries will cover shipping costs.
“Just because you can’t visit doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a fabulous bottle of B.C. wine,” he says.
Read More: Smoke expected to return to Lower Mainland as wildfires continue to burn in B.C. Interior
The last month has been a particularly difficult, says Gordon Fitzpatrick with Fitz Wines in Peachland.
“We’ve seen a noticeable drop in our wine shop onsite business, most of August actually — a combination of the smoke and also the spike in COVID,” he says.
But Fitzpatrick says the priority is to keep people safe and able to evacuate.
“It’s become a bit of a one-two punch, but it is what it is. There are some things that are beyond our control,” he says.
As for how the smoke will affect this year’s grapes, Prodan says that won’t be known until they are off the vine.
