EP 334 | The Changes in 2025 BC Wine Rhys Pender Master of Wine /Kathy Malone Winemaker (Hillside)

Rhys Pender - Master of Wine/Little Farm Winery  (Similkameen) Kathy Malone - Winemaker at Hillside Estate  (Naramata Bench)   There are so many elements in play during the 2025 BC wine-growing season. AND it's just started. Two cold snaps that damaged or killed many vines and vineyards over the past two Winters. It caused many growers to consider planting more winter-proof varietals and adjusting vineyard locations. Then came news that an agreement had been reached between Wine Growers of BC and the BC provincial government. While the new plantings were taking hold, in order to help farming families survive, for one year BC wineries could source their grapes from out of the province. Many headed for Washington. Some to Oregon, California, Ontario, the Frazer Valley and Vancouver Island.  The last two BC wine regions were not hit by the cold. Some wineries flatly refused to use non-BC fruit.   Soon, we'll all start to see labels that say something like  "Washington grapes crafted in BC"! Have fun tasting the blends and varietals that we've never seen or tasted here before. You're supporting BC farmers and wineries at the same time. On Tasting Room Radio and this Podcast, we'll be doing a series of specials on how various wineries and growers have committed to survive and thrive.  Who knows what their new direction may be. There's no denying it - BC Wines will be changing but there will be wines!!!   Enjoy the conversation between myself and Master of Wine Rhys Pender and Winemaker at Hillside Estate on the Naramata Bench Kathy Malone.     www.hillsidewinery.ca www.wineplus.ca www.littlefarmwinery.ca