Unprecedented BC crop shortage leads to the use of US fruit
September 3, 2024 [Prosser, WA, USA] – British Columbia’s Blasted Church Vineyards is kicking off September with the 2024 grape harvest, accessing quality grapes from Washington State.
In an inaugural collaboration with Prosser’s Andrews Family Vineyards, located in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA, Blasted Church will be able to produce the quality wines they have been known for since 2002. Blasted Church winemaker Evan Saunders made the 6.5 hour drive to Prosser, Washington to work with the Andrews family regarding picking and harvest decisions. The varieties will include Sauvignon Blanc, Grenache, Pinot Gris, and then later Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The grapes for the white wines and rosé will be mechanically harvested at night, sorted and pressed, and then the temperature controlled grape juice will be shipped to Okanagan Falls for vinification by the Blasted Church winemaking team. Red wine grapes will be hand harvested and shipped to BC as whole clusters for the team to process in the Blasted Church cellar.
Blasted Church winery, and many neighbouring BC wineries, find themselves in the same situation where they need to purchase Washington fruit due to the deep freeze that damaged the 2024 crop. Saunders has visited Prosser six times in planning, and when making his regular visits to Prosser he has seen several of his industry peers. Saunders notes that it has been excellent working with third generation farmer Jeff Andrews, and he is happy that the grapes are from certified sustainable vineyards.
“It is a peculiar feeling to look out the window in Okanagan Falls at this time of year and see no grapes,” he notes. “But it will be magical for me and my team to start from juice,” he jokes. Saunders has gone through the stress of the paperwork required to bring the juice and grapes in from the US, so it is appreciated to have one easy step.
Lovers of Blasted Church wines can rest assured that delicious, quality wines will continue to be made, and in the meantime the team has ample inventory of current releases to be enjoyed.
The tasting room doors are open to welcome visitors for an amazing winery experience, or orders can be made online at blastedchurch.com
About Blasted Church Vineyards
Located in the heart of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, Blasted Church Vineyards is known for its premium wines and playful branding. For more than 20 years, the winery has amassed a loyal following of wine lovers who appreciate its unique approach to winemaking, commitment to quality, and ability to combine the serious business of producing high-quality wine with a fun approach to life and love of wine. Blasted Church Vineyards is a family-owned and operated winery located in Okanagan Falls, British Columbia.
For more information, visit www.blastedchurch.com.
