Smoke Taint - Information & Resources for Growers

BCGA works with industry partners and government on science-based resources that assess risk and support decision-making.

The most important message is that wildfire smoke does not automatically mean smoke taint.

We recognize wildfire season is a stressful time for many growers, and we encourage you to get in touch with us at bcga@growers.bc.ca if you are experiencing challenges due to wildfire impacts or have questions or concerns.

Here are several resources that may be helpful:

Smoke Taint in BC: What We Know

This BC specific research factsheet summarizes:

• What smoke taint is and how it develops

• How smoke taint can be detected

• Laboratory testing and trial fermentations

• Current research on mitigation strategies

• Key knowledge gaps and ongoing research priorities

The document emphasizes that there is currently no single solution for preventing or treating smoke taint and that test fermentations remain one of the most important tools available for assessing risk.

Reducing the Risk of Smoke Taint – Practical Guide

This short BCGA guide summarizes practical vineyard, harvest, and winery actions that may help reduce risk, including:

• Removing ash before spraying and harvesting

• Keeping fruit cool

• Gentle harvesting practices

• Minimizing skin contact during processing

• Whole-cluster pressing for white wine production

• Record-keeping recommendations that may assist with insurance claims and discussions with wineries.

Production Insurance Information

This BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food Notice outlines the process for smoke-taint-related claims under Production Insurance, including:

• Notice of Loss requirements

• Documentation requirements

• Trial fermentation and laboratory testing requirements

• Winery rejection letter requirements

• Procedures for abandonment or harvest decisions.

If you believe your crop may have been affected, the Ministry recommends filing a Notice of Loss as soon as possible, before harvest begins.

Smoke Taint Testing

The Ministry has identified the following laboratories as offering smoke taint testing services:

• BC Beverage Technology Access Center (BTAC), Okanagan College

• Frind Lab Services, Frind Estate Winery

• Supra RnD, Kelowna

A Few Reminders

• Keep records of smoke exposure dates, vineyard observations, mitigation steps taken, testing results, and communications with wineries.

• Do not assume that visible smoke or ash means grapes will be smoke-tainted.

• Trial fermentations and laboratory testing can provide useful information to support harvest and winemaking decisions.

For wildfire information and status, visit the BC Wildfire Service Dashboard

For evacuation orders and alerts, visit EmergencyInfoBC

If you need emergency help for your farm, workers, or livestock, call the RDOS Emergency Operations Center at 250-490-4225

If you need help moving livestock or farm animals, contact ALERT at https://www.alertcanada.