Welcome to the Spring/Summer 2024 issue of Vitis, the magazine of British Columbia’s wine culture. It’s no secret that wine country is in a bit of a crisis right now. For the second year in a row, a brutal winter freeze has devastated vineyards and, as Vitis was going to press, everyone was anxiously awaiting bud break to see just how deep the damage really is. But the crisis is not just about the weather or the impact of a changing climate. It is a deeper, more existential one about the industry’s future. In this issue, we look at all the factors creating this perfect storm, from cost-shy customers to a rising neo-temperance movement. Meanwhile, Tim Pawsey checks in with local vintners about their next moves and DJ Kearney looks at geotextiles, an innovation that might just be a game changer in both cool and hot climates. While it’s easy to be distracted by the bad news, there are plenty of good things happening, too. For one thing, there’s still plenty of B.C. wine available and this is a great time to stock up on your favourite labels. For another, wine bars are back in a big way, thoughtfully serving up fresh, fun, natty sips and delightful bites to enjoy along with them. We round up our favourites in Vancouver and Victoria, so you can start planning your taste adventure now. You’re welcome. Also in this issue: Kate Dingwall checks in with somms across the country about the new “virtuous consumption,” our growing taste for wines produced ethically, sustainably and regeneratively. Rhys Pender MW explains our relationship with Australian wines (it’s complicated). Christine Campbell decodes the difference between Pinot Gris and Grigio. And we have loads of news, listings and more. We have every confidence that B.C.’s wine industry will weather the current crisis and come out stronger and better than ever. In the meantime, we’re enjoying the new releases and planning our visits to the wineries as they reopen for the summer season. We hope you’ll join us on the journey.
