The British Columbia Wine Institute (BCWI) was created by an act of the provincial legislature, the BC Wine Act, in 1990. It was conceived as a component of a strategic plan of industry and government to create an internationally competitive wine industry. The strategy included the removal of labrusca and hybrid grape varieties and replanting vineyards to vinifera varietals, establishing an industry based on premium wine production.The BCWI oversaw the development of the VQA program and conducted research and development (RandD) on behalf of the industry.In 2006 the BCWI members voted to become a voluntary trade association with member fees to be based on BC wine sales. The VQA program and the regulatory oversight would go to the BC Wine Authority and the RandD and Health and Safety committees would move to the BC Wine Grape Council.The BCWI plays a key role in the growth of BC's wine industry. Our 104 winery members and 15 grapegrower partners represent 95% of BC VQA sales, 95% of the province's total wine production and produce 88% of 100% BC grape wine production.BC VQA wines are now the second-largest category (behind only non-VQA Canadian wine) in BC sales and these sales continue to grow. BC VQA wines now dominate the quality wine market in BC - meaning British Columbians choose BC VQA wines over imported wines from any other region or country.The BCWI works tirelessly to build and market the Wines of British Columbia (BC VQA) wine brand, creates the business climate that allows members to prosper, liaises with government and stakeholders on key business and regulatory issues and promotes the industry to key wine, food and travel media on behalf of its membership. more... See more text