Summerland winery owner urges support for Penticton businesses

A Summerland winery owner is asking residents to support Penticton businesses that stepped up to help thousands of evacuees during the Bald Range wildfire.

Ron Kubek, owner of Lightning Rock Winery, says restaurants, wineries, breweries, retailers and other businesses in Penticton helped provide food, supplies and services while also dealing with cancellations and a drop in visitors caused by the wildfire and related disruptions.

Kubek is encouraging people to return that support by shopping locally, dining out, visiting wineries and breweries, and booking experiences in Penticton and throughout the South Okanagan.

“We need a strong Penticton if we’re going to have a strong Summerland again,” Kubek said in a news release.

The wildfire has disrupted a key period for tourism and hospitality businesses across the region, with highway closures, smoke, evacuations and cancelled travel affecting both Summerland and Penticton.

Lightning Rock Winery remains closed to visitors because of the Summerland evacuation. Kubek and winemaker and vineyard manager Sébastien Hotte were recently allowed temporary access to the property and found the winery, vineyard and staff housing intact.

Kubek also emphasized that supporting local businesses should come alongside continued help for people directly affected by the wildfire.

“Friends, customers and neighbours have lost homes,” he said. “Those people come first.”

Lightning Rock staff have also been helping evacuees, with the winery’s wine shop and tasting room manager volunteering with community organizations and pouring the winery’s wines at the B.C. Wine Information Centre in Penticton.

The winery’s online store remains open while its Summerland location is closed.