The British Columbia wine industry took a major hit when a very unusual four-day January cold snap with temperatures as low as -25C did terrible damage to tree fruits and grape vines. Both these agricultural segments suffered huge losses. All of the peaches, apricots and plums and most of the cherries were lost, and many vine fields have been decimated.

There have been signs of hope, however.

Many older, well-established vines did survive, and even though they won’t produce this year, they are showing good signs of recovery.

And if the weather maintains its usual pattern this winter, the recovery for both agricultural segments will continue.

Fingers crossed for all those farmers and vintners that we have a more stable winter and a better season for them next year.