Supporting Summerland: Standing Together Through the Bald Range Wildfire
Summerland has always been a community shaped by the land. Our vineyards, orchards, farms, cideries, wineries, breweries and distilleries are more than places to visit — they represent generations of hard work, local families, passionate producers and the agricultural roots that make Summerland such a special place to live and visit.
As the Bald Range Wildfire impacts our region, our thoughts are with everyone affected — particularly the growers, farmers, producers, residents and emergency crews facing uncertainty in the days ahead.
At Bottleneck Drive, we believe one of the greatest strengths of Summerland is the way this community shows up for one another.
Supporting the People Behind the Products
Behind every bottle of Summerland wine, glass of cider, locally grown peach, craft beer and small-batch spirit is a story.
There are farmers tending orchards and vineyards, families running tasting rooms, cellar and production teams working behind the scenes, and countless seasonal employees who depend on our region's agricultural and tourism economy.
Wildfires can have an impact that extends well beyond the area directly affected. Road closures, changing travel plans and uncertainty can mean fewer visitors at a time when local farms and businesses rely heavily on summer traffic.
That's why supporting local matters so much right now.
How You Can Help
If it is safe to do so and businesses remain open and accessible, consider continuing to support Summerland's local producers.
Visit a tasting room. Stop at a fruit stand. Buy a bottle of locally made wine, cider or spirits. Pick up locally grown produce. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Share a producer's post on social media or recommend a favourite Summerland business to a friend.
Small actions, multiplied across our community and our visitors, can make a meaningful difference. And if you're unsure whether a particular business is open or accessible, check directly with the business before travelling or resources such as the Bottleneck Drive and BC Wine Growers websites. Conditions can change quickly, and the safety of residents, visitors and emergency personnel must always come first.
Summerland Strong
Times like these remind us that Bottleneck Drive is about much more than what's in the bottle.
It's about the people who grow, make, create, serve and welcome. It's about neighbours helping neighbours and businesses supporting one another. And it's about protecting and celebrating the agricultural community that has shaped Summerland and the Okanagan Valley for generations.
To our farmers, growers, producers, residents and everyone working to protect our community: we are with you.
And to everyone asking how they can help, one of the simplest answers is this:
Support local. Choose Summerland. Share the love.
