China's Presence In The Okanagan: What Are They [NOT] Buying

China's Presence In The Okanagan: What Are They [NOT] Buying

Photo: Road 13 Vineyards

Few Okanagan wineries have ramped up production as rapidly as Road 13 Vineyards.

The winery was launched in 1998 as Golden Mile Cellars. It was producing an anaemic 1,000 cases of forgettable wine annually when Pam and Mick Luckhurst purchased it in 2003. A decade later, Road 13 is making 25,000 cases a year, all of it good to outstanding. 

Now, the winery is among several larger Okanagan wineries that are getting unsolicited purchase offers from offshore buyers. There are known to be several Chinese groups kicking the tires at several Okanagan wineries. 

Mick Luckhurst has had at least one feeler recently. The winery is not actively for sale, especially now that Joe Luckhurst, their son, has become involved in the business.

Of course, every business has its price. One can only hope that the tire kickers don’t find Road 13’s price soon. The Luckhursts contribute far more energy and drive to the B.C. wine industry than absentee owners are likely to bring. One of the two Okanagan wineries already owned by a Chinese businessman is doing exactly zero to help lift the profile of his winery in particular and B.C. wines in general.

The Luckhursts, on the other hand, have just hosted winemaker dinners in Victoria and Vancouver and, with 26 other B.C. wineries, they participated in the Vancouver International Wine Festival. During the wine touring season each year, Road 13 as an active menu of events at the winery, as a quick glance at the winery web site will show. Perhaps the highlight is a monthly series of dinners at the winery with Joy Road Catering. The dinners are scheduled for the 13th day of each month from May to October.