Introduction

In a devastating turn of events, Rocky Creek Winery, a cherished family-run establishment in the Cowichan Valley, is set to close its doors after two decades of hard work and passion.

The Decision to Close

Linda Holford, who co-owns the winery with her husband Mark, expressed her regrets, stating, “In hindsight, we shouldn’t have taken those loans.” The couple opted for the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) loans during the pandemic to ensure their winery could survive. However, the soaring interest rates have turned their hopes into a financial nightmare. “A third of my budget is being used to strictly pay off interest on those loans,” Holford lamented, highlighting the challenging landscape small businesses must navigate.

Impact on Industry

With relentless pressure from loans, the couple has made the tough decision to close the winery within a week. Instead of passing the beloved farm down to their children or enjoying it in retirement, they now aim to sell the five-acre property. “It’s heartbreaking. It’s really sad,” Holford revealed, reflecting the deep emotional toll this closure has taken.

Challenges Faced by Wineries

The impact of rising costs and changing consumer behavior is not confined to Rocky Creek. Chris Turyk, the former chair of Wine BC and owner of Unsworth Winery, noted that the entire wine industry is facing considerable challenges, exacerbated by the increasing costs of goods and a noticeable trend of people choosing to drink less alcohol. “Wineries are facing challenges right now; everything is expensive, and wine is a luxury,” he explained.

Comparative Situation

Interestingly, Turyk mentioned that the Cowichan Valley is faring somewhat better than the Okanagan, which is currently grappling with severe crop losses due to consecutive cold snaps. Many Okanagan wineries are now forced to source grapes from Washington just to survive the dire circumstances. “It’ll be tough for the next few years, and we’ll need all the support we can get as an industry,” Turyk added.

The Unique Terroir of Cowichan Valley

Despite the struggles, Cowichan Valley's unique geographical advantages still shine through. Known as 'the land warmed by the sun' to the Coast Salish community and recognized as Canada's only maritime Mediterranean climate zone by scientists, the region offers winemakers a unique terroir. However, even this beautiful environment hasn't been enough to save Rocky Creek Winery. Holford admitted, “We just didn’t forecast the inflation,” emphasizing the ever-unpredictable economic challenges businesses now face.

Conclusion

As Rocky Creek Winery prepares for its last day on October 13, it serves as a stark reminder of the pressures small businesses endure and the importance of supporting local enterprises. Their story may represent a significant loss but also sheds light on the resilience and passion behind the wine industry in Cowichan Valley. How many more stories like this remain untold? Only time will tell.