It is real, it is dangerous it is a continuous threat to the wineries of the Okanagan and the people who live there. (We can not write this blog without praying for those in California who have suffered greatly from forest fires.)
Hubertus Estate Winery which was built in the 1930's, is the Okanagan's most resilient winery. The Okanagan Mountain forest fire ripped through the property on August 22 2003, destroying the winery and a 1932 house that was the home of Leo Gebert and wife Barbara, one of the families that own St Hubertus. The winery recovered with the help of neighbours, nearby wineries and friends.
17 years the threat of fire still exists for the Okanagan wineries. Today, Aug 21, 2020, as I write this blog a fire rages along the east side of Lake Shaka between Penticton and Okanagan Falls.
Numerous homes are endangered, one already lost, evacuations necessary in an already troubled time. Wineries such as Painted Rock and Blasted Church are closed taking a safety-first approach. Owner John Skinner says he will stay closed for a few more days as the road leading to the winery is used by emergency vehicles and fire truck fighting the fires.
Sadly 68% of all fires in the region are reported to be started by humans.
The wine region under threat at Skaha Lake is the Skaha Sub Gi
Currently, the winds are not blowing the smoke towards the vineyards.
A tip of the hat to all forest firefighters!
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