Over 300 participants will gather to learn and share ideas at the 10th Annual Enology and Viticulture Conference and Tradeshow held on July 20-21 at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre.
The Conference which offers an exciting mix of formal presentations and informal workshops will cover the latest scientific research combined with practical enology and viticulture procedures. “British Columbia’s wine industry is growing and so is our event,” said Hans Buchler, Chairman of the BC Wine Grape Council. “The presentations and workshops provide an opportunity for grapegrowers, winemakers, and anyone interested in the wine industry to learn the newest technologies and practices.”
The agenda will provide opportunities for growers, winemakers, students, and researchers to learn and share ideas with international speakers from Germany, Spain, New Zealand, and the United States as well as our very own local experts. Growers and winemakers will better understand how fruit ripeness variability affects fruit and wine composition; how grape components affect wine aromas; and what makes grape varieties different in their response to water deficit. There will also be research updates and opportunities to participate first-hand in local research by evaluating wines produced at the Small-Lot Research Winery at the Pacific Agriculture Research Centre in Summerland. Rehabilitating cold damaged vines and sustainable practices in the wine industry will definitely be hot topics this year.
“The only constant in the wine business is change.” In the dog-eat-dog world of selling wine, every competitive edge counts. Brand image, effective marketing strategies, and packaging standards have never been more important. New this year is the workshop “Bland Brand? Stop in for a Nip & Tuck” in which one winery will get a complimentary makeover with results being unveiled at the workshop along with a helpful step-by-step guide for those whose brand DNA could use a brush-up.
The tradeshow will feature over 100 exhibit booths showcasing a wide range of products related to the wine and grape industry during this two-day event. “This event has become well known over the last nine years and the industry always looks forward to it each year,” said conference organizer, Louise Corbeil. Tradeshow passes are available at the door.

Visit www.bcwgc.org or contact Louise Corbeil at bcwgc@telus.net for more information or to register for the conference.