The Bald Range wildfire is taking a growing toll on the Okanagan’s wine industry, with winery owners warning that smoke, evacuations and restricted access are putting this year’s harvest, and hundreds of jobs, at risk. Strong southwest winds cleared the skies over Penticton on Wednesday for the first time in days, but the wildfire’s impact remained visible, from helicopters battling the blaze to black ash washing up along on the shore. Summerland, home to 24 wineries, remains under evacuation order. For some vineyard owners, the biggest concern is whether this year’s grape crop can be saved. “With where the fire is right now, which is 2two to three kilometres from where our vineyards are as the crow flies, as my winemaker said, it’s not looking very good,” said Ron Kubek, owner of Lightning Rock Winery. Okanagan Crush Pad winery co-owner Christine Coletta said one of the winery’s staff members lost their on-site home in the fire. While the vineyard itself remains intact, she said she’s submitted a permit application to authorities and needs access quickly to protect both the crop and the vines. “If we don’t get in and get the water on, we stand a chance of not only losing the crop, but also the plants themselves. And it takes four years from the time you plant a new vine to the time you get a crop. Four years,” Coletta said. Beyond the vineyards, the wildfire is also affecting tourism during what is typically one of the busiest times of year for the region. “It’s really hard. This is the time of year where all those wineries, the tasting rooms would be full and we’d be happy to have tourists,” said Jeff Guignard, president and CEO of the B.C. Wine Growers Association. The disruption is also affecting workers throughout the industry. “It’s not just the production of wine. You’ve got to realize it’s the hourly staff that work in the tasting room,” Kubek said. “Everyone is really displaced right now. It’s having a huge impact across the entire company,” Coletta added. Guignard encouraged British Columbians to support wineries by purchasing local products. “If you want to help our industry right now the best thing you can do is pickup a B.C. bottle of wine for dinner tonight or to celebrate with your friends, buy something from the Summerland region to show them your support.” The wildfire has also forced the closure of Highway 97, a key transportation corridor connecting the South Okanagan with Kelowna. Officials are expected to provide an update on the highway’s status Saturday.
