And so…

After much consideration and a handful of recent happenings, I have decided to turn off the comments on my recent post covering the Okanagan Crush Pad in Summerland.

For those unfamiliar with the background on the issues regarding the new Okanagan custom crush operation, the post and comments to which I refer can be found right over here…

I am still as enthusiastic as ever about this new venture, and am in full support and have much in the way of encouragement to offer those involved in this very exciting project.

I respect the diversity of opinions on whether the “Custom Crush Pad” concept is a good or a bad thing for our local industry and would have enjoyed seeing how the discussion could have evolved, particularly with recent Globe And Mail coverage of Cherries And Clay’s part in being a catalyst for this discussion, which has brought national attention to the issue.

However, embedded throughout this discussion have been accusations of unlawful and unethical business practices, most of which have come from one winery across the lake in the Naramata wine region.  (I’m not pointing fingers, a scan of the comments provides all parties’ full names and contact details) These allegations are unfounded, and there is absolutely no evidence to support that anything illegal has or will be taking place. I’d personally like to thank Mark Hicken, a Vancouver lawyer who specializes in Wine Law, for illuminating the discussion with his take on things.

While on the subject of Naramata, I’d received the following statement last night from the Naramata Bench Winery Association:

As the Executive of the Naramata Winery Association and as members of the wine industry in BC we can’t help but notice the debate that has erupted over the custom crush facility concept, the Okanagan Crush Pad Winery in Summerland.

We would like to address the misconception that appears to be floating around that the Naramata Bench Winery Association is in favour or against the Custom Crush Pad model. It is not the mandate or the intent of the Association to advocate in matters pertaining to regulation or the industry, we are a marketing association. Any position taken on this issue, or any similarly ‘political’ issue, is up to an individual winery or wineries to state on their own behalf.

The Naramata Bench Winery Association is an association focused on building awareness for the Naramata Bench wine region, which we feel offers the opportunity for unsurpassed wine experiences.  Since our inception in 2003 our efforts have been entirely focused in this regard.

To get the flavour of the Naramata Bench and to have the opportunity to meet the individual wineries of the NBWA please consider joining us at our Annual Spring Release Event at the Westin Bayshore Hotel in Vancouver on April 21.

Signed,

Board of Directors, Naramata Bench Winery Association

www.naramatabench.com

The discussion had also started flirting with crossing the line toward personal attacks, and I simply wasn’t comfortable with the direction it was heading. Consequently, I’d shut off the comments and have done so with this post as well.

As I mentioned before, should anyone have an interest in the matter and require particular follow-up, all principals involved in this discussion posted under full names and linked to their contact details.

We can all get back to what we were doing and ideally strive for a little more co-operation, community and civility, good things can come out of those elements.

KK