YAKIMA — In 2024, Washington grape growers took advantage of a weather-induced shortage of grapes in British Columbia and a tax-free import exemption to send a sizable portion of their harvest north of the border.

That exemption, known as the 2024 Vintage Replacement Program, was extended two weeks ago by the British Columbia Liquor Distribution Branch, wine industry officials reported.

The waiver of the usual import fee should help Washington grape growers and bulk wine producers this fall — although the decision came much later in this season’s growing and harvesting process, said Sara Higgins, executive director of the Washington Winegrowers Association.

“The announcement comes well into harvest; some growers won’t be able to avail themselves of the opportunity, but we still see this

See Full Page