Okanagan wineries tally wildfire losses as Bald Range fire grows to 22,693 hectares

Wineries in Summerland, B.C., are tallying losses after a wildfire swept through the region and destroyed crops and structures. The Bald Range wildfire, which exploded nearly two weeks ago, had grown to 22,693 hectares by early August 21, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service.

At Solvero Winery, owner Matt Sartor said the fire scorched about five per cent of his vines and possibly rendered this year's entire crop unsalvageable. "Crop loss will likely be binary — all or nothing," he said, adding that smoke damage could mean a total harvest loss. He and his workers are making plans for replanting, though that may not happen until 2028. Sartor's home and workers' homes were spared, as were the structures that host wine-tasting activities, a workshop, and animals. Power remained stable, ensuring wine stored on site was kept at proper temperatures.

Sartor, who has been growing grapes for a decade, said the outcome could have been worse. "We've been incredibly lucky — both of our neighbours on either side of us have lost their homes."

At Garnet Valley Ranch Winery, owner Christine Coletta reported that flames advanced directly through her vineyard, destroying vines and a house on the property. "It came right down the center aisle and burnt down the vines," she said. The destroyed crop represented 6,000 cases of wine.

Coletta said the fire and the loss of visitor traffic pose compounding threats. "When I look out at Okanagan Lake, I see water bombers perform and helicopters picking up buckets of water … but there's not a single boat," she said. "We're hoping September will be beautiful and clear and encourage people to come."

Provincial officials said the Bald Range wildfire destroyed or damaged about 150 structures in the Summerland area, though the breakdown between residential homes and outbuildings has not been confirmed. More than 20,000 people received evacuation orders; some have since been allowed to return. Sartor was only able to access his property four days ago when agricultural operators were permitted on site.

The B.C. Wildfire Service warned that the fire's threat has not passed. Eight evacuation orders and 14 evacuation alerts remain in effect as the fire continues to grow. Hot, dry conditions, gusty winds, and difficult terrain continue to hamper firefighting efforts.

The wineries' losses come after a severe cold snap in the winter of 2024 that destroyed 98 per cent of wine grapes and damaged 20 per cent of vines in the region. "And now this, it's been a lot — it's been a challenging handful of years," Coletta said.