White Bear Wines commits to preserving Great Bear Rainforest

Artisan Wine Co is pleased to announce the launch of WHITE BEAR Wines, at the EPIC sustainable living expo this week.

In partnership with several environmental organizations, the winery has committed to raising awareness and funds for the long term preservation of the Great Bear Rainforest on BC’s Central Coast and for the conservation of the Spirit Bear’s habitat. Developed solely to support the cause, 15% of sales from this wine will be donated to marine and rainforest conservation in the Great Bear Rainforest with World Wildlife Fund Canada and Tides Canada‘s White Bear Fund and other partners.

BC’s Great Bear Rainforest is 21 million acres and is the largest temperate rainforest in the world. It is of great significance globally for its value as a carbon sink holder of CO(2) and for its extensive biodiversity.

It is home to grizzly bears, coastal wolves, salmon and the rare white Kermode or Spirit Bear, which exists nowhere in the world besides this rainforest. There are only 400 spirit bears in the world. Protecting habitat of this umbrella species will aid many other species. A timely concern for all Canadians, the BC government recently announced they were saving over 2 million hectares of the Great Bear Rainforest for parks and conservancies. This is part of a larger, globally significant conservation effort that is currently underway so that this rainforest can thrive for future generations.

“The salmon spawn from the coast to the Okanagan and the ecosystem we rely upon in the Valley for growing grapes is intricately tied to our vast coastal reserve. We wanted to make a difference not just with the sustainable viticulture practices, but also by helping preserve BC for the future and we are proud to work with local environmental groups in support of this truly global treasure,” said Daniel Zepponi, President Artisan Wine Co. “We believe conservation is the right thing to do for our environment and our business. Consumers are incorporating sustainability along with affordability as part of their buying practices. These wines are a great value at only $12.99, and are not only ideal every day table wines, but are also for a great cause.”

“WWF-Canada is encouraged by Artisan’s commitment to ecosystem conservation in BC. The contribution from sales of WHITE BEAR wines will make a real difference in our freshwater and marine work on the north coast. The proceeds from Artisan will help us conserve eelgrass habitats. Many salmon species – the major food source for Spirit bears – spend part of their lives in eelgrass habitats so protecting these is vitally important and highlights just how interconnected these species really are,” said Michele Patterson, Acting Vice President, Pacific Region.

“Tides Canada celebrates Artisan Wine’s ongoing commitment to sustainability in the Great Bear Rainforest. This is a great example of how business can be a force for change and play a role in creating a healthy planet,” said Ross McMillan, President and CEO of Tides Canada and one of the principal architects of the $120 million conservation financing package for the Great Bear Rainforest.

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