'Challenging': Okanagan wineries tally wildfire losses

Matt Sartor said he’s still nervously watching the movement of a still-menacing wildfire as he calculates the damage it’s wrought on his Summerland-area winery.

On Wednesday, he and workers at his Solvero Winery were examining and cleaning up the effects of the blaze that might have scorched about five per cent of his vines and possibly rendered the entirely of this year’s crop unsalvageable.

“We’re making plans for replanting but that might not be until 2028,” said Sartor, adding smoke damage could mean a total harvest loss.

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Flames that consumed adjacent forested areas roasted parts of the vineyard and images of the site show vines clearly heat-withered standing next to others that are still a lush green.

But he said the outcome of the fire, which forced him to evacuate twice, could have been considerably worse.

Homes occupied by his family and another by workers were spared as were other structures that host wine-tasting activities, a workshop and animals, said Sartor.

They’ve also managed to retain power that’s ensured wine stored on site has been kept at proper temperatures, he said.

“We’ve been incredibly lucky — both of our neighbours on either side of us have lost their homes,” said Sartor who’s been growing grapes there for a decade.

One photo provided by Sartor shows trees and ground charred by fire just metres away from an unaffected building on his land.

Provincial officials say the Bald Range blaze that exploded nearly two week ago destroyed or damaged about 150 structures in the Summerland area just north or Penticton, though it’s not yet certain how many of those were houses as opposed to outbuildings.

More than 20,000 received evacuation orders, though some have been allowed to return home and Sartor said he’s only been able to access his property when agricultural operators were given the green light four days ago.

“Agricultural workers were allowed back on site for a few who were permitted and went through checkpoints,” he said.