British Columbia Wine Grape Council

Grape Day, part of the Commodity Days Series
2025-11-26 13:00 - 16:30 (America/Vancouver) | UNC Ballroom, 3272 University Way, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada
Save the Date! November 26th at UBC Okanagan campus.
Open to all members of industry!
Co-hosted by the University of British Columbia and Agriculture and Agrifood Canada, hear updates on the 6 ongoing S-CAP funded research projects for wine grapes in the morning. Stay for lunch, and a presentation on smoke taint as well as a sensory analysis of affected and treated wines. There will be ample time for discussion and networking. We looking forward to seeing you once the hustle of harvest is past it’s peak!
Activity #4: Vegetation management for long-term productivity and enhanced ecosystem services in Canadian semi-arid vineyards
Activity #5: Managing grapevine viruses and their arthropod vectors
Activity #6: Sustainable control of grapevine trunk diseases under a changing climate
Activity #7: Precision management of grapevine stress and development under the challenges of climate change
Activity #8: Prediction, prevention, and mitigation of smoke-taint (and other air-borne aromas) in grapes and wines
Activity #9: Influence of temperature and heat-stress mitigation strategies on grape quality in British Columbia vineyards
Parking information:
Park in H Lot, pay by Honk app or pay station ($8.45/day) and walk up hill to University Centre building.
View map: UBCOkanagan_CampusMap
Register here

October 2025 BCWGC R&D Committee Meeting
2025-10-16 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Dr. Mehdi Sharifi, AAFC – Ground Cover Management and Sustainability in European Vineyards: Insights from the GiESCO 2025 Conference
GiESCO is an internationally recognized event focused on viticulture and enology, with presentations from researchers around the world. In 2025, there were over 350 attendees, and the main theme was sustainability and climate change. Dr. Sharifi attended as a delegate representing Canadian viticulture and will be sharing his learnings from the conference including photos, vineyard practices and highlights. This will be a fun practical presentation showing how European vineyards are approaching sustainability using groundcover management.

Practical Soil Regeneration Skills for Agricultural Producers
2025-10-16 08:00 - 2025-10-18 16:00 | Little Dog Farm, 125 Wellspring Road, Creston, BC, V0B 1G2, Canada
Soil Regeneration Immersion: From Theory to Field
We want to invite you and your community to our upcoming intensive 3-day workshop happening October 16–18, 2025, at Little Dog Farm in Creston, BC.
This hands-on workshop is designed specifically for agricultural producers like you—bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and the practical application of soil regeneration techniques.
What You’ll Experience

Learn the principles and practicalities of building biologically active compost.
Understand the role of microbes in soil and crop resilience.
Produce and apply compost teas and extracts using real-world tools and equipment.
Discuss water management, animal integration and regenerative design within the context of a polyculture orchard.
Share meals and stories with a vibrant community of land-based learners.

Led by Jo Tobias, regenerative soil and living compost specialist of RootShoot Soils, and hosted in collaboration with Ian and Cathy Finley of Little Dog Farm.
Event Details
Dates: October 16-18, 2025
Location: Little Dog Farm, 125 Wellspring Road
Register here: bit.ly/soilregeneration-creston2025
Fee: $200 (taxes and Eventbrite fees apply)
Spots are limited.
Early registration is encouraged.

Export Navigator Webinar
2025-09-24 10:00 - 11:30 | Zoom
Export Navigator invites B.C. alcohol producers to a free 90-minute webinar on navigating interprovincial trade and regulatory barriers.
Breaking Barriers: Navigating Interprovincial Alcohol Trade for B.C. Producers
Learn what it takes to grow beyond B.C., from D2C shipping limitations to labeling compliance and market-specific strategies.
Presented in partnership with B.C. Beverage Technology Access Centre (BCBTAC).
Why Attend?

Understand provincial differences in sales, storage, and labeling
Get clarity on CFTA, QA/lab testing, and regulatory efforts
Identify where opportunities exist for your products
Access tools and guidance to support your expansion

Date: September 24, 2025
Time: 10:00 – 11:30 AM (PT)
Register: Webinar Registration – Zoom
Can’t join live? Register to receive a recording after the session
Questions? Contact info@exportnavigator.ca.

September 2025 BCWGC R&D Meeting
2025-09-18 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Dr. Mark Paul Selda Rivarez, UBC – An Ilarvirus with Five Names and the Need for On-site, High-throughput Virus Diagnostics in Grapes
Dr. Mark Paul Selda Rivarez, the new Assistant Professor of Phytopathology and Virology at UBC, will introduce a proactive approach to protecting the BC wine grape industry from a new generation of complex viral threats.
Using the recently discovered Solanum nigrum ilarvirus 1 (SnIV1) as a key case study, Dr. Rivarez will examine the challenges presented by emerging pathogens that can bypass traditional clean plant protocols. With confirmed detections in European grapevines and unconventional transmission pathways such as seed and pollen, SnIV1 emphasizes the need for more advanced diagnostic technologies to safeguard BC’s vineyards. The presentation will then introduce “PlantDx,” a Genome BC proposal for a portable genomic toolkit. This platform will utilize portable sequencing technology to bring diagnostics from the lab to the vineyard, allowing for rapid, on-site identification of both known and new viruses.
Join us to discover how this research can boost our clean plant initiatives, enhance biosecurity, and secure the long-term health and profitability of the BC wine grape industry.

BCWGC August 21, 2025 R&D Committee Meeting
2025-08-21 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
CCLSP and the BC Decision Aid System (DAS) for Grapes Join us on August 21 to learn about the Cross Commodity Leadership Support Project (CCLSP) and how their Innovation & Technology Committee is working with the BC Wine Grape Council (BCWGC) and the Wine Grape Industry Task Force (WGITF) to pilot and launch the new BC DAS for grapes this coming year. Kellie Garcia, CCLSP Program Director, will give an overview of CCLSP and Galen Barnhardt, Barn to Bottle Consulting, will provide information on the DAS program, how it relates to grapes, benefits to growers, and how people can get involved.
REGISTER HERE: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/e57fEsfDSy6rJo-zvE39oQ

AgLife Connector Training - Kelowna
2025-08-15 09:00 - 13:30 | CMHA Kelowna, 504 Sutherland Avenue, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 2B7, Canada
The AgLife Connector Training:
Do you care about the mental health and wellbeing of BC producers? Do you want to learn how to make a difference?
The AgLife Connector Training is a mental health awareness and suicide prevention skills training designed specifically for BC agriculture. By taking the training, you will learn valuable skills on how to identify and support someone who is struggling with their mental health and how you can get them connected to supports. Throughout the training, you will learn an easy-to-remember three-step framework for supporting BC producers who may be struggling with their mental health. This is a unique opportunity to take a completely free mental health awareness and suicide prevention training that was entirely designed for BC agriculture. By taking the training and becoming a Connector you are joining a growing network of people who care about producer mental health and wellbeing and want to make a difference! The AgLife Connector training is intended for anyone who works in a role that supports and/or works alongside producers. This program is a collaboration between AgSafe BC and the Canadian Mental Health Association – BC Division.
Cost: FREE (with free snacks, coffee, and lunch provided)
Duration: 4.5 hours (30 minutes for lunch)
Location:

Kelowna – August 15th 9:00 am – 1:30 pm at CMHA Kelowna (register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1478368111819?aff=oddtdtcreator)

AgLife Connector Training - Penticton
2025-08-12 10:00 - 14:30 | Beem Credit Union Penticton, 251 Green Avenue West #101, Penticton, BC, V2A 7J8, Canada
The AgLife Connector Training:
Do you care about the mental health and wellbeing of BC producers? Do you want to learn how to make a difference?
The AgLife Connector Training is a mental health awareness and suicide prevention skills training designed specifically for BC agriculture. By taking the training, you will learn valuable skills on how to identify and support someone who is struggling with their mental health and how you can get them connected to supports. Throughout the training, you will learn an easy-to-remember three-step framework for supporting BC producers who may be struggling with their mental health. This is a unique opportunity to take a completely free mental health awareness and suicide prevention training that was entirely designed for BC agriculture. By taking the training and becoming a Connector you are joining a growing network of people who care about producer mental health and wellbeing and want to make a difference! The AgLife Connector training is intended for anyone who works in a role that supports and/or works alongside producers. This program is a collaboration between AgSafe BC and the Canadian Mental Health Association – BC Division.
Cost: FREE (with free snacks, coffee, and lunch provided)
Duration: 4.5 hours (30 minutes for lunch)
Location:

Penticton – August 12th 10:00 am – 2:30 pm at Beem Credit Union Penticton (register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1475001612529?aff=oddtdtcreator)

BCWGC Annual General Meeting
2025-08-07 12:30 - 13:30 | Zoom
Notice of AGM
August 7, 2025, 12:30 – 1:30 via Zoom
The BC Wine Grape Council Annual General Meeting has been set for Wednesday, August 7, 2025. Full agenda and details will be distributed in the coming weeks. Visit the AGM WEBPAGE for up-to-date information.

Register for the meeting here
____________________________________________________________________
BC Wine Grape Council (BCWGC) Director Vacancies
The following board positions are up for election:

Grower > 250 acres
Grower 20-250 acres
Grower < 20 acres
Winemaker

As a BCWGC Director you will have the opportunity to participate in committees that help shape the future of the BC wine industry through valuable technology, research and education projects. We are actively seeking individuals who are available and eager to be part of the evolution of our industry from both the grower and wine making perspectives.
If you would like to be considered for a board position, please complete the nomination form and return to Kate Durisek before email: info@bcwgc.org by August 4, 2025.
Download the nomination package: BCWGC Board Nomination Package_2025

Biodiversity in the Vineyard - Northern Tour
2025-08-06 09:00 - 13:00 | Waldhof Viineyard, 5225 Lakeshore Road, Kelowna, BC, V1W 4J1, Canada
Biodiversity in the Vineyard – Northern Tour
Event Date & Time:Tuesday, August 6, 2025 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM PST
Event Description: Join us for the Northern leg of our Biodiversity in the Vineyard field tour, hosted in collaboration with researchers and viticulturists. This engaging field day invites you into active vineyard sites in Kelowna and West Kelowna, where we’ll explore real-world applications of biodiversity practices that support healthy vineyards and resilient ecosystems.
Through hands-on demonstrations and open discussion, participants will gain insights into:

Cover crop projects
Soil health, beneficial insects, and nematodes
Tools such as the microBIOMETER® for on-site soil analysis

📍 Tour Stops Include:

Waldhof Vineyards (Gebert Family), Kelowna – 5225 Lakeshore Road Kelowna, BC, V1W 4J1
Kalala Vineyards (Kalala Winery), West Kelowna – 3361 Glencoe Rd, West Kelowna, BC V4T 1M1

Contributors: Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, UBC, BC Living Labs, BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food, BC Grapegrowers’ Association, BC Wine Grape Council + Sustainable Winegrowing BC.
📝 Registration is required.
📄 Full itinerary available here:
👉 View Full Itinerary
What to Bring:Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, water bottle, and a notepad if desired. Please arrive 15 minutes prior for check-in.
Questions?Contact: Dr. Mehdi Sharifi – mehdi.sharifi@agr.gc.ca Cell#: 250-609-1127

View our Southern Tour here

Biodiversity in the Vineyard - Southern Tour
2025-08-05 09:00 - 13:00 | Thomas Ranch Vineyard, 4381 Oliver Ranch Road, Okanagan Falls, BC, V0H 1R2, Canada
Biodiversity in the Vineyard – Southern Tour
Event Date & Time: Tuesday, August 5, 2025 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM PST
Event Description:
Join us for the Southern leg of our Biodiversity in the Vineyard field tour, hosted in collaboration with researchers and viticulturists. This engaging field day invites you into active vineyard sites in Okanagan Falls and Oliver, where we’ll explore real-world applications of biodiversity practices that support healthy vineyards and resilient ecosystems.
Through hands-on demonstrations and open discussion, participants will gain insights into:

Cover crop projects
Soil health, beneficial insects, and nematodes
Equipment demos including the roller crimper
Tools such as the microBIOMETER® for on-site soil analysis

📍 Tour Stops Include:

Thomas Ranch Vineyard (Arterra Wines), Okanagan Falls – 4381 Oliver Ranch Road, Okanagan Falls, V0H 1R2
Diamondback Vineyard (Andrew Peller), Oliver – 500 Burrowing Owl Pl, Oliver, BC V0H 1T1

Contributors: Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, UBC, BC Living Labs, BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food, BC Grapegrowers’ Association, BC Wine Grape Council + Sustainable Winegrowing BC.
📝 Registration is required. Register here
👉 View Full Itinerary
What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, water bottle, and a notepad if desired. Please arrive 15 minutes prior for check-in.
Questions? Contact: Dr. Mehdi Sharifi – mehdi.sharifi@agr.gc.ca Cell#: 250-609-1127

View our Northern Tour here

BCWGC July 17, 2025 R&D Committee Meeting
2025-07-17 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
July 17, 2025 – 12:00 – 1:00 – Dr. Wesley Zandberg, UBC Okanagan – Smoke exposure update: Improved tests and novel off-vine models suggests alternative mechanisms for smoke-exposed in wine and suggest new targets for mitigation
New research from the Zandberg lab is challenging the currently accepted model of how grape exposure to forest fire smoke may (potentially) lead to smoke-exposed wines.

CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ATTENDING THIS VIRUTAL EVENT: info@bcwgc.org

Vintality Demo Day
2025-07-08 12:30 - 14:30 | Wesbert Winery, 1465 Naramata Road, Penticton, BC, V2A 8X2, Canada
Date: Tuesday, July 8, 2025 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM PDT
Location: Wesbert Winery – 1465 Naramata Road Penticton, BC V2A 8X2
Cost: FREE
Join us for a vineyard-focused Demo Day featuring cutting-edge tech and tools:

Lumo will showcase their wireless irrigation valves with automated scheduling
SCDC brings European innovation in vineyard trellising
Gripple showing new items in their catalogue
Peak Hydromet will demonstrate their soil and weather sensing solutions.

Enjoy hands-on demos, expert insights, and great food and drink while connecting with fellow growers and industry pros.
This is a chance to see how advanced systems can work together to improve efficiency, sustainability, and crop quality. Whether you’re upgrading your irrigation, exploring new trellising options, or diving into data-driven decisions with sensors, this event offers practical takeaways and direct access to the people behind the products.
Register here

Live Irrigation Demo with Verdi
2025-07-08 08:00 - 11:00 | 4403 48th Ave, Osoyoos, BC, V0H 1V6, 4403 48th Avenue, Osoyoos, BC, V0H 1V6, Canada
Live Demo in Osoyoos
Take control of your irrigation like never before. Verdi unlocks real-time valve control, pump automation, and flow and pressure monitoring across your fields — all without digging, rewiring, or costly infrastructure changes.
Where: 4403 48th Ave, Osoyoos, BC, V0H 1V6
When: Tuesday July 8, 8:00-11:00AM
Why attend?
We’re keeping it simple, useful and local. This isn’t a sales pitch – it’s a practical, in-field workshop for growers ready to explore what’s next in irrigation.

What you’ll see in the live demo

How to schedule irrigation in seconds
What to expect from Verdi’s Dashboard
How we verify irrigation actually happened
What happens when irrigation fails?
How easy is setup? We’ll show you.

You’ll also get:

Free catered breakfast + coffee
Expert knowledge from Verdi’s local team
A look at the latest automation tools built specifically for specialty crops
A chance to ask questions and see if automation makes sense for your farm

Register Here

Webinar: Best Practices for U.S. Exports – Leveraging CUSMA & Working with a U.S. Customs Broker
2025-06-24 11:00 - 12:00 | WebEx
Are you a Canadian exporter looking to better understand the U.S. customs process and navigate the current tariff situation?
Join the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) on June 24, 2025, for a dynamic webinar: Best Practices for U.S. Exports – Leveraging CUSMA & Working with a U.S. Customs Broker. This session is designed to help you navigate U.S. customs requirements, work effectively with customs brokers, and determine CUSMA compliance. This session offers practical guidance to help protect your bottom line, whether you’re new to exporting or want to fine‑tune your approach.
Webinar details
Date: June 24, 2025
Time: 11:00 – 12:00 PM
Location: Online via WebEx
What to Expect?
Gain firsthand insights from Trade Commissioners based in Canada and the U.S., showcasing how the TCS network helps overcome export barriers — alongside expert perspectives from:

Jim Trubits, Vice President, Mohawk Global
Damon Piatek, President, Piatek Customs
Brian Barber, President, Northern Border Customs Brokers Association & Vice President U.S. Brokerage and Government Affairs, Willson International

The panelists will share real‑life examples and practical tips from their work with Canadian exporters across sectors.
What you’ll learn:

How to determine if your goods qualify under CUSMA
How to work with a U.S. customs broker and what to expect
Common documentation and classification issues — and how to get them right
What to do if something goes wrong at the border
How to prepare for audits by U.S. Customs & Border Protection
Key trends to watch

The webinar will be available in English only.
Register now to boost your confidence in navigating the U.S. customs landscape — and ensure you’re making the most of the CUSMA benefits.
For more information, please contact Linda Soltis.
Do business with the world.
The Trade Commissioner Service helps Canadian businesses of all sizes succeed in international markets with export advisory services, funding and accelerator programs. With a presence in more than 160 cities worldwide, we can help you do business with the world.
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Upcoming Webinar: Heading North – Viticulture's Search for Cooler Climatees
2025-06-24 09:00 - 10:30 | Online
Join us for a conversation on the future of viticulture in a changing climate. This webinar will spotlight Vivai Cooperativi Rauscedo (VCR) and explore ongoing research projects, disease-resistant grape varieties, and rootstocks tailored for cooler growing regions.
Date: Tue, Jun 24, 2025 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM PDTAudience: Wine industry professionals across the US and CanadaLanguage: EnglishRegister here: Heading North Webinar Registration
We would greatly appreciate your help in sharing this opportunity with colleagues, researchers, and industry contacts who may be interested in attending.

Optimization of grape production in Eastern Canada
2025-05-22 10:00 - 23:00 | Zoom
This webinar is part of a mini-series dedicated to highlighting final results from some of the research projects completed under the CAP Grape & Wine Cluster (2018-2023). We will focus on Activity 9: “Optimization of Grape Production in Eastern Canada.” The presentation will be provided by Dr. Karine Pedneault from L’Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO).
Climate is the most important element when growing grapes in cool to cold areas such as those found in Eastern Canada. Although several practices are in place to increase crop quality and productivity, many unknowns remain regarding this industry. Understanding how climate affects berry quality is an essential step to better understand cold-climate terroir and how to optimize the relationship between growing conditions and grape varieties to then optimize wine quality.
Attendees can submit questions when registering, as well as during the webinar. We hope you will join us!
Date: Thursday, May 22nd, 2025
Time: 1:00pm to 2:00pm Eastern time
Location: Zoom webinar
The webinar is free to attend but registration is required!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

BCWGC May 15, 2025 R&D Committee Meeting
2025-05-15 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
May 15, 2025 – 12:00 – 1:00 – Dr. Asim Renyard, Introduction and update on the grape entomology program at AAFC Summerland
Dr. Asim Renyard is the new Research Scientist – Entomologist for grapes and tree fruits at the AAFC Summerland Research and Development Centre. Dr. Renyard’s work focusses on insect behaviour, ecology, and pest management. Prior to joining AAFC, his research spanned diverse systems including forests and urban settings where he studied the behaviour and pest management of ants. At AAFC his lab’s research on grape entomology will focus on understanding grape pest phenology and their role in vectoring grapevine diseases. Additionally, his lab will explore how naturally occurring vegetation or experimentally manipulated cover crops affect the abundance of pests and beneficial insects.
Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/DkIlrUEwTians47niNrX-g

Shuswap Kontiki Kiln Biochar Demo
2025-05-15 10:00 - 14:00 | Sunnybrae Vineyard, 3849 Sunnybrae Canoe Point Road, Tappen, British Columbia, Canada
Witness a live biochar burn in process using vineyard prunings in a traditional kiln. Stop by anytime between 10:00 – 2:00
Learn about the benefits of biochar and why local vineyards, orchards, farms and forestry sectors are starting to implement this ancient practice already successful in other countries.
Hosted by RegenerativeBiochar.ca | email: regenerative.biochar@proton.me

Kontiki Kiln Biochar Burn Demonstration
2025-05-01 09:00 - 14:00 | Hidden Valley Vineyard, 1252 Naramata Road, Naramata, BC, Canada
Learn the benefits of biochar and why local vineyards, orchards and farms are starting to implement this ancient agricultural practice that’s already successful in other countries.

Increase water holding capacity
Increase microbial life in soils
Build resilience to disease and climate
Build healthy soils = healthy body
Increase crop yields.

Email: rengenerativegeo@proton.me
Stop by anytime during the day!

Grape & Wine Research Users Meeting - AAFC Research Results from the CAP Cluster
2025-04-17 08:00 - 17:00 | Summerland Research & Development Centre, 4200 Highway #97, Summerland, British Columbia, V0H 1Z0, Canada
Hosted in collaboration with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), the Canadian Grapevine Certification Network (CGCN-RCCV), and the British Columbia Wine Grape Council (BCWGC), this national meeting will showcase the final results of AAFC’s research conducted under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) Grape and Wine Science Cluster (2018-2023). Topics include Cold Hardiness & Climate Change, Quality Improvement, Management of Virus Diseases, and Crop Protection & Monitoring. Researchers will present key findings, impacts, and innovations shaping the future of viticulture and oenology. Each topic will also include a panel discussion of featured speakers, with opportunities for audience engaged Q&A.
Date: Thursday, April 17th, 2025
Time: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM PST / 11:30 AM – 7:30 PM EST / 12:30 PM – 8:30 PM AST
Cost: FREE BUT REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED!!!
Location: In-person or online.
For In-Person Attendance REGISTER HERE (Maximum of 80 spots)

Summerland Research & Development Centre (4200 Highway #97, Summerland, BC V0H 1Z0), registration is required.
Due to space limitations, spots will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

Non-Canadian citizens or permanent residents must register by April 4th (this is due to additional security protocols)
Canadian citizens and permanent residents must register by April 14th

Online Attendance REGISTER HERE
Registration is required for virtual access. A Microsoft Teams link will be sent to registered attendees 48-72 hours prior to the live event.
Thank you to our generous sponsors:

Test Event 1
2025-02-01 08:00 - 17:00
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