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:
Posted July 6, 2025 | Lightning Rock Winery, Summerland, BC
If you’re craving a summer escape that balances relaxing experiences with just the right amount of adventure, Summerland, BC should be high on your list. Nestled between Okanagan Lake, lush hills, and stunning vineyards, this charming town offers a full day of delicious, scenic, and soul-filling experiences. We’ve put together a few ideas on how to make the most of 24 hours in Summerland, British Columbia.
Start your day lakeside at Powell Beach or Sun-Oka Beach Park. Both are family-friendly, with calm, clear waters perfect for a morning dip or paddle. Lay out a blanket, take a peaceful stroll, or simply sip your coffee with your toes in the sand and views of Okanagan Lake all around.
Need fuel first? Stop by Granny’s Summerland or The Beanery Café for a locally roasted pick-me-up and a quick breakfast bite.
From the beach, head up to Giants Head Mountain for panoramic views over the valley. The hike to the summit is steep but short, and the reward is unbeatable—especially if you’re packing a few snacks or a bottle of sparkling to enjoy at the top.
Not up for a climb? Stroll the Summerland Ornamental Gardens, bursting with colour, local history, and shady benches to linger on. Or check out the Summerland Museum to discover this town’s fascinating ties to fruit, farming, and the historic Kettle Valley Railway.
Stop by one of the several fruit stands forfresh Okanagan fruits, many often offer icecreams and other local
Time to wine! Spend your afternoon exploring Bottleneck Drive, the scenic route that winds through Summerland’s best tasting rooms, offering everything from bold reds to refreshing bubbles, craft cider, and even small-batch spirits.
Of course, we’d love for you to make Lightning Rock Winery your must-stop destination. Known for our expressive Pinot Noir, terroir-driven sparkling wines, and warm, down-to-earth hospitality, it’s the kind of place that feels like visiting friends—if your friends just happened to make electric, minimal-intervention wines.
Settle into a lawn chair with a glass of pét-nat or rosé, soak in the vineyard views, and let the lake breeze work its magic.
There’s so much more to sip and discover along the drive, from boutique wineries to laid-back cideries, local breweries, and even a craft distillery or two. Take your time, follow your curiosity, and make it a tasting adventure to remember.
Option 1: Local Vibes & Cold Beer
For a laid-back end to the day, head to Giants Head Brewing. Their crispy fish and chips pair perfectly with a pint of craft beer, and the dog-friendly patio is often buzzing with live music and locals unwinding after a day in the sun. It’s easygoing, welcoming, and exactly what you want after a summer afternoon in the vineyards.
Option 2: Classic Comfort & Cozy Charm
If you’re in the mood for something more intimate, Zia’s Stonehouse Restaurant is a local favourite tucked inside a heritage home. With hearty pastas, fresh seafood, and seasonal specials served on a lush garden patio or beside a stone fireplace, it’s perfect for a relaxed and memorable meal.
Posted July 2, 2025 | By Ron Kubek, Owner – Lightning Rock Winery, Summerland, BC
On Canada Day, we were told we now live in a “One Canadian Economy.” Free interprovincial trade. No more roadblocks. That was the promise.
But as a winery owner in British Columbia, I can tell you: that’s not the reality.
Here’s a side-by-side look at what really happens when wine moves across provincial lines.
This week, I ordered wine from an Ontario winery and had it shipped to my door here in Summerland, BC. It arrived safely by Canada Post, with no markup, no provincial tax, no recycling fees, just the standard 5% GST. No interference from the BC Liquor Distribution Branch at all. The total was $356.56 for twelve bottles.
It felt simple. Reasonable. Like what free trade should look like.
But if I try to send a case of Lightning Rock wine to a customer in Ontario? It’s a whole different story.
We’d face a 71% markup from the LCBO, 13% HST, a container fee, and the threat of regulatory action unless we operate in a legal grey zone. I’ve offered to collect and remit HST or PST depending on the province, a simple, honest fix. But no government has acted.
Instead, provinces like Alberta have doubled down—adding a 15% ad valorem tax on top of the $4.11-per-litre bottle tax, bringing the total to roughly 28%. It’s a steep and punitive markup on BC wine, thinly veiled behind Latin to obscure its true impact.
The total cost to the customer almost doubles. That’s not a fair system; that’s a barrier dressed up as policy.
“I was charged just 5% GST when ordering wine from Ontario to my winery in BC. But if I ship wine to Ontario, I face a 71% markup, container fees, and 13% HST. That is not interprovincial free trade –that is a barrier dressed up as policy.”
– Ron Kubek,
Owner, Lightning Rock Winery
If you’ve ever enjoyed a bottle of wine from another province and appreciated discovering something new, while supporting Canadian, this matters to you.
We believe BC wine should be treated like Canadian wine, not like a foreign import. You should be able to enjoy our wines no matter where you live, without paying 96% more because of outdated, protectionist policies.
What’s more, the BC government already allows Ontario wineries to ship directly to consumers here without interference. But the same freedom hasn’t been offered in return.
We’re not trying to play politics. We’re trying to make sense of something that doesn’t.
We’ve called on provincial leaders, and we hope they’ll listen. Here’s what we’re asking for:
✓ End excessive liquor markups on Canadian wine
✓ Let wineries collect and remit HST or PST across provinces
✓ Allow direct-to-consumer shipping from all Canadian wineries, not just the ones in the “right” province
✓ Honour the promise of a “One Canadian Economy”
At Lightning Rock, we’ve already fought through a year of devastation, losing 100% of our 2024 crop to freeze. We invested over $160,000 of our own money to keep going. We didn’t ask for subsidies. We didn’t increase production. We simply tried to survive, and keep our team of mighty nine employed.
Now, we’re fighting again, this time for fairness in our own country.
“This isn’t about politics. It’s about common sense, consumer rights, and the future of Canadian wine.”
We’re not asking for special treatment. We’re asking for the same rules to apply both ways. Because if Ontario wine can come into BC without markups, the same should be true in reverse.
Share this post with your friends, especially those outside BC.
Contact your local representative and ask why Canadian wine still can’t move freely across the country. We’ve included a handy letter you can use below.
Order from a Canadian winery or if you can, come see us in person.
Thank you for standing with us — and for believing that good wine, like good policy, should be shared.
This year has been one of the most challenging we’ve ever faced in the BC wine industry. The cold weather has wreaked havoc on our vineyards, causing an almost 100% loss of fruit. However, amidst this devastation, there is a silver lining: we estimate that only about 25% of our vineyards will need replanting. But it will take time to recover.
We want to reassure you that we have about three years’ worth of inventory in the winery. This means we can continue to provide you with the wines you love while we navigate these challenges and plan for the future. Your experience with Lightning Rock Winery will remain consistent, and the quality of our wines will not be compromised.
Tracy and I recently visited vineyards in Washington state, just across the border. We were delighted to find many wonderful grapes that share a similar terroir and climate to what we have in Summerland. Washington also offers logistical simplicity and a number of qualified growers eager for new partnerships. While it’s not a perfect solution, it aligns closely with our standards and goals.
Our primary goal is to maintain the high standards you expect from us. If we decide to source grapes from Washington, rest assured that our winemaker, Sebastien, will craft the wine here at our winery, ensuring that the essence and quality of Lightning Rock wines are preserved. We will be completely transparent about the origins of the grapes, detailing which vineyards they come from so you always know the truth.
In recent years, we increased production by purchasing grapes from other vineyards in the Okanagan in addition to using our own. Unfortunately, this option isn’t viable this year, and it may take 3-5 years for our vineyards to recover to their pre-2023/2024 levels. By carefully selecting grapes from Washington, we believe we can continue to produce the exceptional wines you have come to love.
We understand that this is a significant change, and we want to hear from you. How do you feel about us sourcing grapes from Washington State under these circumstances? Your feedback is crucial as we make these decisions to ensure the survival and success of our operations.
Please contact me directly at 250-488-6055 or email me at ron@lightningrockwinery.com. We look forward to your thoughts and to continuing our journey together, even through these challenging times.
Ron Kubek
Owner & CEO
Lightning Rock Winery
At Lightning Rock Winery, we pride ourselves on crafting exceptional wines while navigating the intricate regulations governing our industry. Recently, we found ourselves embroiled in a regulatory maze highlighting the challenges small businesses face in the interprovincial wine trade. Let me share our journey and advocate for a more straightforward regulation approach.
Our story begins with a simple desire: to provide our customers in Alberta with access to our wines through direct-to-consumer shipments. As a small winery, I was eager to comply with all relevant laws and regulations. However, our efforts to engage with the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) and seek clarity on the regulatory framework were met with silence and frustration. Despite repeated attempts, I found ourselves unable to decipher the rules that governed our operations, a struggle that echoes the sentiments of many small businesses grappling with regulatory ambiguity.
In our quest for clarity, I reached out to the Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, seeking answers to our pressing questions. While the Minister defended Alberta’s regulatory stance, citing the need to protect the integrity of the province’s liquor market, his response failed to address the disparities in regulations between Alberta and other provinces, such as British Columbia.
One glaring asymmetry I encountered was the ability to order wine from Alberta liquor stores and have it shipped to us. At the same time, as a producer, I was prohibited from doing the same within Alberta. This disparity underscored the need for a more coherent and fair regulatory framework that applies equally to all stakeholders in the industry.
Our journey reflects the broader need for harmonized regulations that facilitate, rather than hinder, interprovincial trade in Canada’s burgeoning wine industry. As our sector gains recognition on the global stage, policymakers must prioritize regulatory coherence to unleash its full potential. Streamlined regulations would benefit businesses like ours and empower consumers with a greater choice and access to diverse wine offerings from across the country, painting a promising future for the Canadian wine industry.
Moving forward, we remain committed to advocating for clarity and transparency in interprovincial wine trade regulatory frameworks. By fostering collaboration between provinces and streamlining regulations, we can unlock our industry’s full potential, bolster economic growth, and promote consumer welfare.
In conclusion, our journey highlights the urgent need for regulatory reform to facilitate a vibrant and inclusive interprovincial wine trade. As policymakers grapple with the complexities of regulatory oversight, I urge them to prioritize coherence and transparency to pave the way for a more prosperous and dynamic wine industry.
Thank you for joining us on this journey. Together, let’s navigate the regulatory challenges and raise a glass to the future of Canadian wine.
Ron Kubek
Owner, Lightning Rock Winery