Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture, has released the following statement celebrating three decades of BC VQA wines:

“Over the last 30 years B.C. grape growers and winemakers have worked with the BC Wine Institute and the British Columbia Vintners Quality Alliance’s (BC VQA) certification and label to achieve amazing results. They have seen the growth of B.C. wines from a small, unrecognized industry, to a strong and respected brand, enjoyed throughout our province, country and world.

“BC VQA wines have a maturity well beyond their years, and have grown to include almost 300 wineries and 1,000 vineyards, creating jobs and supporting tourism in communities throughout the province. The B.C. government is proud to support the family-run vineyards and wineries that continue to produce award-winning wines in our province and partner with them to help market B.C. wine locally and internationally, as well as creating resources and programs to support winemaking and grape growing in B.C.

“The sector has grown through the emergence of the BC VQA designation as a trusted symbol of quality and the hard work and dedication of the BC Wine Institute. The institute has spent three decades introducing, explaining and sharing the B.C. wine experience with locals and visitors. From helping them learn about B.C. terroir and local food pairings, to exploring our designated wine regions, they have been tireless as advocates and champions of our province’s winemakers and wines. I want to acknowledge that and thank them for it.

“In the last 30 years, we have enjoyed B.C. wine at meals and celebrations with family and friends. It is only fitting that as we celebrate this anniversary of VQA, we share a toast to the people who built winemaking in B.C. and those who continue to work in our award-winning wine industry. Happy 30th and many more to come!”