Vineyard managers in the Okanagan Valley, particularly at Black Hills Estate Winery, are implementing innovative methods to protect their grapevines from extreme winter temperatures after suffering devastating losses last year due to a cold snap that destroyed 95% of British Columbia’s wine grapes. Bobby Ercego, the vineyard manager, is utilizing techniques such as burying grapevine canes and hilling—covered with soil and compost—to insulate the plants. Additionally, some wineries, including Quail’s Gate, are experimenting with infrared LED heating systems to maintain vine warmth during freezing conditions. While these methods are labor-intensive and costly, winemakers are optimistic about their potential to preserve future crops and maintain the region’s reputation for high-quality wine production. Researchers echo this sentiment, suggesting that even a slight increase in temperatures can significantly impact crop survival, and they advocate for exploring cold-tolerant grape hybrids as a long-term solution.