April is BC Wine Month: a time to sip local and celebrate resilience

April has officially been proclaimed BC Wine Month by the Government of British Columbia — and for those of us who have spent years exploring vineyards, tasting rooms, and the people behind the bottles, it feels both well deserved and perfectly timed.

As winter gives way to spring, something special begins to happen across BC wine country. Vines slowly emerge from dormancy, patios reopen, and wineries begin releasing the first wines of the new season. It’s a moment of renewal — and this year, more than ever, a reminder of the resilience that defines this industry.

You can read the official proclamation here:
👉 https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/proclamations/proclamations/BCWineMth2025

A celebration rooted in local spirit

BC Wine Month isn’t just a marketing moment — it’s a recognition of an industry that continues to evolve in real time.

Over the past few years, BC wineries have faced real challenges: extreme weather events, shifting markets, and the ongoing work of rebuilding and adapting. And yet, what we continue to see — and taste — is a sector moving forward with determination and creativity.

As Jeff Guignard of Wine Growers British Columbia puts it, the future of BC wine is being built right now — through collaboration, innovation, and a shared belief in what this region can produce.

That spirit is exactly what BC Wine Month is meant to celebrate.

Why April is the perfect time to explore

There’s no better moment to reconnect with BC wine — whether that means planning a visit, picking up a few bottles, or simply learning more about what makes this region unique.

April brings:

  • New spring releases, including early looks at the 2025 vintage
  • Curated buying guides featuring dozens of fresh BC wines
  • Winery promotions, from tasting experiences to shipping offers
  • And the return of wine country travel, as destinations across the province come back to life

It’s also a time when education takes centre stage. Programs like the Wines of BC Ambassador courses continue to deepen understanding of what sets BC wine apart — from its cool-climate strengths to its diverse growing regions.

For those in the hospitality industry, there’s even a full promotional toolkit available here:
👉 https://winebc.com/industry/april-is-bc-wine-month/

Supporting the people behind the wine

What makes BC wine special has always gone beyond what’s in the glass.

It’s the growers watching the weather and adapting year after year.
It’s the winemakers experimenting, refining, and sometimes rethinking everything.
It’s the families, teams, and communities that make wine tourism one of the most unique agri-tourism experiences anywhere.

BC Wine Month is a simple but meaningful call to action:
support local.

That might mean:

  • visiting a winery
  • choosing a BC bottle at your local shop or restaurant
  • or sharing a favourite discovery with friends

Every choice makes a difference.

Sip the spring

This year’s theme — Sip the Spring — captures it well.

There’s a sense of optimism right now. New vintages are arriving. Vineyard activity is picking up. And across the province, wineries are welcoming guests back with fresh energy.

For Stacey and me, BC Wine Month is always a reminder of why we started BC Wine Lover in the first place — to share these experiences, support this community, and celebrate the people and places that make BC wine what it is.

If you’ve been meaning to explore more of what’s in your own backyard, April is the time to do it.

Pour a glass, plan a visit, and raise a toast to BC wine. 🍷

Author

  • Mike Klassen is a Vancouver city councillor, communications professional, and long-time advocate for British Columbia’s wine industry. He co‑founded BC Wine Lover in 2007 with his wife Stacey, sharing stories from their travels through the province’s wine regions and spotlighting the people and places that make B.C. wine distinctive.

    In 2015, Mike led the BC Wine Appellation Task Group, guiding a province‑wide consultation that produced recommendations—later endorsed by industry plebiscite—that strengthened B.C.’s appellation standards and helped establish today’s sub‑GIs.

    His writing has appeared in the Vancouver Sun, Huffington Post, and Daily Hive, blending history, policy insight, and personal experience. Alongside his work on Vancouver City Council, Mike continues to explore vineyards across the province, champion local producers, and celebrate the evolving culture of B.C. wine.