Three weeks ago, we left Lightning Rock not knowing exactly what we would come back to.
The Bald Range Fire forced the evacuation of our winery, our homes and much of our community. For some families in Summerland, the losses have been devastating. People lost homes and possessions, businesses were disrupted and families were displaced.
Our hearts remain with everyone who has been affected.
For Lightning Rock, we were incredibly fortunate. Our winery and vineyards are standing, our team is safe, and today we get to do something that seemed a long way away a few weeks ago:
We get to open our doors again.
There are a few people we especially want to recognize.
Our winemaker and vineyard manager, Sébastien Hotte, was evacuated along with his fiancée and their young children.
Whenever access was permitted, Sébastien was back checking our properties. He checked the winery, staff housing and vineyards, kept an eye on irrigation and the vines, helped neighbouring farms and vineyards, and made sure our restaurant and private liquor store partners received wine when we were able to get it to them.
All of this while looking after his own evacuated family.
Harvest doesn’t stop getting closer because there’s a wildfire, and neither do vineyards. We are very fortunate to have Sébastien looking after ours.
Our Wine Shop and Tasting Room Manager, Harpreet, was also evacuated. Rather than sitting on the sidelines, she went to work helping others.
Through Penticton Rotary and JCI Penticton, Harpreet spent long 12-14 hour days volunteering and helping feed people affected by the evacuation and fire.
Tracy spent countless hours cleaning and helping get the winery back into shape so we could safely reopen and get ready for harvest.
Ron spent much of the evacuation working with the District of Summerland, provincial government, and emergency officials on problems affecting farmers and wineries throughout the evacuation zone.
For agriculture, limited access isn’t simply an inconvenience. Vineyards and orchards still need irrigation. Crops need to be protected. Livestock needs care. Harvest was approaching.
Ron worked with officials to push for a more practical agricultural access system that would allow farmers and essential workers to reach their properties while still respecting the restrictions required to keep everyone safe. Eventually, improved agricultural access was put in place, allowing Sébastien and other agricultural workers to do more of the work that couldn’t simply wait until the evacuation was over.
There was another problem affecting wineries well beyond Lightning Rock.
Mission Bottle Wash, an important part of the Okanagan wine industry’s bottle supply chain, was caught inside the affected area. Without access, wineries throughout the region faced the possibility of running out of bottles and disrupting bottling schedules at one of the worst possible times of year.
Ron worked with the District, Agriculture Minister Lana Popham’s office and others to help find a solution. It became a good example of what could happen when industry and government worked together to solve a very practical problem during an emergency.
It has been an extraordinary few weeks for a very small team.
One of the things we’ll remember most from these weeks is how many people reached out.
We received emails, phone calls, texts and messages from across British Columbia and Canada asking if we were okay and what people could do to help.
Many of you placed online wine orders.
Others went looking for Lightning Rock at your local private liquor store or ordered our wines at restaurants.
Our restaurant and liquor store partners continued supporting us and ordering our wine during a period when our own tasting room couldn’t welcome a single customer.
Those things mattered.
To everyone who ordered a bottle, sent us a note, checked on our team, shared one of our posts or simply told us you were thinking about Summerland: thank you.
And to the firefighters, first responders, emergency personnel, volunteers, neighbours and community organizations who worked incredibly long hours throughout the fire, our gratitude is difficult to put into words.
We also want to thank the government, municipal and emergency officials who listened when we brought forward problems and worked with us to find solutions. During an emergency, not every decision will be perfect, but we saw people willing to pick up the phone, listen and try to make things work.
Reopening doesn’t mean everything is suddenly back to normal.
There are people in our community who have lost far more than a few weeks of business, and there are local businesses, farms, wineries, cideries, breweries and restaurants that lost an important part of their summer season.
One of the simplest ways to help is to come to Summerland.
Visit the businesses. Eat at the restaurants. Buy local wine, cider and beer. Stay for an afternoon or a weekend. And if you’re elsewhere in BC or Canada, look for Summerland and Okanagan products where you live or order directly from the producers you enjoy.
If you’re able, you can also support wildfire relief directly through the SOS Wildfire Response Fund or Mamas for Mamas – Fire Support, both of which are helping Summerland families and workers who were hit hardest.
Small businesses survive because people choose to support them.
Today, Thursday, August 27, the Lightning Rock tasting room is open again.
We’ll be here 11 AM to 5 PM every day through Thanksgiving.
The vineyards are still here. Harvest is getting closer. There is wine in the tasting room. And after three weeks of talking to far too many people through phones, emails and social media, we’re very ready to see some actual faces again.
Come by for a tasting. See how the vineyards are doing. Say hello to the team.
Most of all, come enjoy Summerland.
We’re incredibly grateful to be home.
Ron, Tracy, Sébastien, Harpreet and the Lightning Rock team
In the News
The Vancouver Sun has published my latest opinion piece on Canada’s new interprovincial alcohol agreement.
I support removing barriers between provinces — but after reading the agreement, I believe it falls well short of genuine free trade.
It still permits provincial liquor board markups, registrations, fees and administrative requirements on Canadian products sold to Canadian consumers.
We can do better.
British Columbia and Ontario could lead by creating a reciprocal market for wines made from 100% Canadian-grown grapes — supporting Canadian grape growers, wineries, workers, tourism and consumers.
This is about offering a solution, not simply identifying a problem.
I’ve posted more information and access to the full article on the Lightning Rock Journal.
Posted July 23 2026 | Lightning Rock Winery, Summerland, BC
A few minutes on television isn’t enough to explain what this agreement really means.
This morning I had the opportunity to speak with CBC News about Canada’s new interprovincial alcohol agreement and what it means for Canadian wineries, consumers and the future of internal trade.
Like many Canadians, I was encouraged when Canada’s premiers announced they had reached an agreement.
After fourteen years of discussion, two House of Commons petitions, two private members’ bills and repeated commitments from governments across the country, it sounded like Canada had finally created one national market for Canadian wine.
Then I read the Operating Agreement.
While it removes one barrier by permitting direct-to-consumer shipments between participating provinces, it also preserves the ability of provinces to impose liquor board markups, registration requirements, fees, reporting obligations and other administrative requirements.
Those details matter.
In many ways, they will determine whether this agreement becomes meaningful free trade or simply a different way of managing provincial barriers.
I appreciated CBC News taking the time to cover this important issue.
The timing could not be more important.
The United States has recently imposed a 50% tariff on Canadian wine, making one of Canada’s most important export markets dramatically more difficult for wineries across the country.
If there was ever a moment to fully open Canada’s domestic market, this was it.
Instead, the agreement leaves many of the most important economic questions unanswered.
Those answers will determine whether this agreement truly helps Canadian producers and consumers.
One aspect of the agreement deserves particular attention.
British Columbia already permitted Canadian wineries to ship directly to BC consumers.
The new Operating Agreement does not protect that existing access.
Instead, it expressly preserves the ability of provinces to impose liquor board markups, registration requirements and other charges.
In other words, a system that already existed could become more expensive for both producers and consumers.
That should concern everyone who believes buying Canadian should be easier, not harder.
Canadian wineries are not asking governments for subsidies.
We are not asking for protection from competition.
We are asking for the opportunity to compete fairly within our own country.
I believe the next step should be straightforward.
That would create one Canadian market while allowing provinces to continue collecting the taxes they are entitled to receive.
The Operating Agreement is now signed.
The real work begins with implementation.
Each participating province must now decide:
Those decisions will determine whether this agreement becomes genuine internal trade reform or simply a new administrative framework.
I will continue following those developments and updating this Journal as more information becomes available.
Lightning Rock Winery is a family-owned winery in Summerland, British Columbia, producing premium sparkling and still wines from estate vineyards in the Okanagan Valley.
Beyond producing wine, we believe in supporting Canadian agriculture, rural communities and a stronger Canadian economy.
Our goal is simple:
One Country. One Canadian Market.
Canadian products should never be treated as foreign products simply because they cross a provincial border.
Posted March 21 2026 | Lightning Rock Winery, Summerland, BC
At Lightning Rock Winery, we’ve always believed in keeping things simple, honest, and transparent.
So here’s something that doesn’t make sense.
Today, we can legally ship our wine to Seattle more easily than we can legally ship it to Toronto.
That’s not a typo.
It is often more straightforward for us to sell Canadian wine into the United States than it is to sell it within our own country.
Across Canada, a patchwork of provincial rules still restricts how wineries, breweries, and distilleries can sell directly to consumers in other provinces.
While governments talk about internal free trade, the reality on the ground is very different.
Consumers want to support Canadian producers.
But in many cases, they simply can’t.
The Prime Minister and nine provinces have pointed to May 1 as a target date for progress on internal free trade.
That date is coming quickly.
But as of today, nothing has changed for small producers like us.
The same barriers remain in place.
Member of Parliament Dan Albas has introduced Bill C-262, which would allow Canadians to receive Canadian wine, craft beer, and spirits directly from producers across provincial borders using Canada Post and other trusted carriers.
This isn’t about removing safeguards.
It’s about creating a clear, consistent system that allows Canadians to support Canadian businesses.
We’ve been working on this issue for years.
Back in 2020–2021, we partnered with MP Dan Albas on a national petition to address interprovincial wine shipping.
That effort was gaining traction before a snap federal election brought it to an end.
Now, the issue is back — and we have another chance to get it right.
To support Bill C-262, we’ve launched a House of Commons petition.
If enough Canadians sign, the government is required to respond.
👉 https://petitions.ourcommons.ca/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-7258
It takes less than a minute.
This isn’t just about wine.
It’s about:
If Canada believes in free trade within its own borders…
Why is it easier to sell Canadian wine internationally than within Canada?
If you believe this should change:
👉 Sign the petition
👉 Share this post
👉 Talk to your provincial representatives
At Lightning Rock, we’re proud to make wine in British Columbia.
We just think Canadians should be able to enjoy it — no matter where they live.
Posted October 26, 2025 | Lightning Rock Winery, Summerland, BC
We’re proud to see important conversations about the future of Canadian wine gaining national attention.
Two recent articles, one by Douglas Hart, President of Hart & Associates, and another by John Iveson at The National Post featuring Ron Kubek, highlight the urgent need to modernize Canada’s approach to direct-to-consumer (DTC) wine sales and remove long-standing interprovincial trade barriers.
In his Food in Canada article, Douglas Hart outlined the challenges Canadian wineries face in selling directly to consumers across provincial borders, noting that while international trade continues to expand, free trade still doesn’t truly exist within our own country. The federal DTC framework, set to take effect in May 2026, is a step forward, but many small wineries can’t afford to wait that long.
Meanwhile, John Iveson The National Post shone a spotlight on Ron Kubek’s tireless advocacy for BC wineries, including the realities faced by small, family-run producers like Lightning Rock. Ron’s leadership has been instrumental in ensuring our region’s voice is heard in the national dialogue, standing up for fairer, more accessible pathways for Canadian-made wines to reach Canadian consumers.
Posted October 20, 2025 | Lightning Rock Winery, Summerland, BC
The ongoing BCGEU strike has slowed wine distribution across the province, leaving restaurants, liquor stores, and consumers struggling to access products. Small wineries like ours are ready to step in and help keep BC wine flowing, but the way the Olympic Average policy is currently being applied is making that harder, not easier.
The Olympic Average was designed to keep things fair when wineries are forced to use imported grapes to replace crops lost to extreme weather. In theory, it ensures revenue neutrality; the government doesn’t lose revenue, and wineries aren’t penalized for circumstances beyond their control.
But under the current interpretation, that balance has shifted.
Here’s a simple example:
If a winery replaces 100 cases lost to freeze with imported grapes, it should receive markup relief on those 100 cases — no more, no less.
However, when that same winery later sells its older 100% BC wines, those sales use up the available relief. The result? The winery ends up paying markup on BC-grown wines and doesn’t have enough relief left to cover the imported replacement wines.
That means the policy, originally meant to be fair and neutral, now increases government revenue compared to a normal year. The opposite of what it was intended to do.
We want to thank Minister Lana Popham and her team for their ongoing support and constructive engagement. Their leadership gives us confidence that, together with Treasury Board and the BCLDB, the Olympic Average can be restored to what it was always meant to be: fair, transparent, and neutral.
BC wineries don’t need bailouts, just balance.
We’re not asking for special treatment; we’re asking for common sense.
When policies work the way they were designed to, small family-run wineries like ours can continue doing what we do best, making BC wine, supporting local jobs, and keeping the province’s agricultural and tourism economy strong.
Let’s Make Common Sense the Policy Again.
Posted September 21, 2025 | Lightning Rock Winery, Summerland, BC
This week we had the honour of welcoming BC Agriculture and Food Minister Lana Popham and her Chief of Staff, Samuel Godfrey, to Lightning Rock Winery. Their visit came right in the middle of harvest — one of the busiest times of year — but it was a moment we won’t forget.
The Minister walked through our replanted vineyards, saw firsthand the work that goes into recovery after a devastating 2024 crop loss, and even helped us pick grapes to start the cuvée for our Pinot Noir.
Most importantly, she listened. We spoke at length about the Olympic Average markup formula, how it currently punishes small wineries for trying to survive, and how it can be fixed at no cost to government. We also discussed how the Replant Program could be redesigned to better support family-run wineries, and how to give consumers across the province more access to BC-made wines and beverages.
What stood out was how engaged Minister Popham was. She asked thoughtful questions, understood the issues deeply, and showed us she truly cares about BC farmers. We left the conversation feeling heard — and hopeful.
Now the challenge is clear: ensuring that Cabinet, and especially the Treasury Board, understands the urgency of these issues. With the Minister’s leadership, we believe common-sense solutions are possible.
At Lightning Rock, we remain committed to making honest, transparent wines that showcase the best of BC. We thank Minister Popham and Samuel Godfrey for their visit and their commitment to the people who grow and make wine in this province.
Posted September 1, 2025 | Lightning Rock Winery, Summerland, BC
Big news to share, Lightning Rock wines are officially on their way to Ontario! For years, we’ve been dreaming of making it easier for our friends across the country to experience the energy, freshness, and passion of the Okanagan Valley in their glasses at home. Now, it’s finally happening.
This isn’t just about shipping, it’s about fairness and opening borders within our own country. Ontario wineries have long been able to send their bottles to BC wine lovers, and we believe it’s only right to raise a glass back.
Starting today, Ontarians can order Lightning Rock wines directly to their door, with HST included just as if you were buying from a local producer. Canadian wine deserves to be shared freely across Canada, without borders in the way.
The timing could not be better. This summer, Lightning Rock was named one of Canada’s Top 25 Wineries and recognized as the #11 Small Winery in the country at the 2025 WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada. We also brought home Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals. This recognition confirms what we have always believed. Our small Okanagan winery belongs among Canada’s best, and our wines should be enjoyed in every province.
So, Ontario friends, whether you’re popping a bottle of our 2022 Elysia Blanc de Noirs (all elegance and fine bubbles), sipping the vibrant 2023 Pinot Noir Rosé on a patio, or pouring a chilled glass of 2024 Albariño with oysters, we can’t wait to share our wines with you. Because wine is better when it’s shared, and starting today, we can finally share ours with you.
We’ve put together a curated pack of our award-winning wines below so you can experience a little slice of the Okanagan in Ontario. If you’d like some guidance on your order, our team is always happy to chat by phone or email and help you choose a mix you’ll love to share.
Here’s to fair trade, Canadian wine, and raising a glass together, from Summerland to Toronto, Ottawa, Niagara, and everywhere in between. Cheers, Ontario! 🥂
Award Winning Wine Set
Now ready to ship to an Ontario destination.
Posted August 1, 2025 | Lightning Rock Winery, Summerland, BC
Big news for Lightning Rock Winery! The final results of the 2025 WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada were announced today, and we’re thrilled to share that Lightning Rock has been named one of the Top 25 Wineries in the country.
This recognition feels especially meaningful because it celebrates more than what’s in the bottle; it honours our entire approach. Farming organically in challenging conditions, making low-intervention wines that reflect our land, and staying true to a style that’s vibrant, expressive, and honest. We may be small, but we are most definitely mighty and very proud today.
Five Wines. Five Medals.
We’re proud to share that five Lightning Rock wines received national medals:
From our vineyard crew to our cellar team to everyone who’s visited, tasted, ordered, or told a friend, we’re here because of you. Your support allows us to keep doing what we love, and these awards feel like a shared celebration.
It’s not just about awards (though we’re absolutely raising a glass to these!). It’s about knowing that the way we work, the intention, the patience, the people-first energy, matters.
If you haven’t tasted these wines yet, now’s the time! Our Award-Winning Four-Pack is available for a limited time and includes four of the five medalists (sorry, Riesling lovers, but check out our 2024 vintage which is now available).
Or, better yet, come visit us in person. The view stuns, the wines shine, and our team? We’ll make you feel like part of the family. Tastings are available daily from 11 am – 6 pm.
Posted July 28, 2025 | Lightning Rock Winery, Summerland, BC
We believe wine should bring people together, not be used as a political tool that keeps us apart.
Earlier this year, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith promised to “break down restrictive provincial trade barriers.” She celebrated a new interprovincial shipping agreement with B.C. as a win for consumers and small businesses alike.
And yet, just months later, her government quietly introduced a tax that makes it more expensive for Albertans to enjoy Canadian wine than it would be to import it to the U.S.
Under Alberta’s new markup system:
We’ve been advocating for our industry and consumers on this topic since March. And while we’re still waiting on action, we’re proud to see this issue gaining national attention and are proud to contribute & drive the conversation.
CBC NEWS FEATURE
B.C. wineries call out high fees imposed by Alberta
Premier Danielle Smith often says Alberta wants to lead the way in improving interprovincial trade, but a hefty new fee on wine has B.C. wineries calling out the high cost of selling in the neighbouring province.
GLOBAL NEWS SEGMENT
B.C. wineries call out high fees imposed by Alberta
Efforts between B.C. and Alberta to improve interprovincial trade seem to have hit a roadblock. As Victoria Femia reports, a new hefty fee has left some B.C. wineries losing a chunk of their consumers from our neighbouring province.
At Lightning Rock, we’ve never asked for special treatment. But we are asking for fairness. We believe Canadians should be able to enjoy Canadian wines, no matter which province they live in.
Let’s build a country where local wine can move freely. Where small farms and family wineries aren’t punished for trying to share their craft across provincial lines.
If you believe in a truly fair and open national wine market, here’s how you can help: