B.C. wineries celebrating earliest harvest on record

A hot summer has led wineries across B.C. to experience their earliest harvest yet, says the B.C. Wine Institute.

The harvest usually starts in September or October, but the institute said most wineries have already started picking their grapes. 

Church & State Wines is especially grateful for its harvest; the southern Interior winery almost went up in flames when forest fires near Oliver and Osoyoos raced towards its crop.

"From where we were we thought it had engulfed the building," said Church & State Wines co-owner John Pullen.

While none of the province's wineries were damaged by the wildfires, many of the producers wondered how the smoke would affect their crops.

In the case of Church & State Wine, the owners were happily surprised by the results.

"We have the best fruits we've ever seen, two to three weeks in advance," said Pullen.

Best crop in years

Other producers in the region agree that this year's crop may be one of the best on record.

"We were facing extreme heat, but it produced high-quality grapes," said Mathieu Mercier, winemaker for Osoyoos Larose.

"It's very, very good. Very concentrated, with lots of colour, lots of tannins, and a rich, fruity flavour." 

Mike Watson, viticulturist for Constellation Brands Canada and past chair of the B.C. Wine Grape Council, said he has been testing the area's grapes for signs of smoke.

"We have seen this before in 2003 where heavy smoke never amounted to anything for the wine or the fruit," said Watson in a written statement.

"If there are any affects from smoke aromas, it will be very site specific and will be monitored accordingly."