Whistler Institute & Cornucopia present: Mother Nature v. Okanagan Wineries: a Climate Conundrum

On November 8, 2024, the challenges and reality that Okanagan wineries face on the heels of multiple environmental events was compassionately presented to a captive audience in the Whistler Conference Centre’s Rainbow Theatre. Strategies and options to navigate challenges due to climate change as they pertain globally to the vineyards, winemaking, tourism and marketing were discussed, and consumers learnt what to expect from the industry based on the choices wineries have been forced to make.
Presented in partnership with Cornucopia, Whistler’s Celebration of Food & Drink, this event was also generously supported by Vail Resorts Epic Promise and Nita Lake Lodge.
About the Speakers, Decoa & Jeff Harder
Decoa and Jeff Harder successfully created and built Ex Nihilo Winery in the Okanagan Valley, an endeavour that lasted 20 years. During that time they farmed up to 100 acres annually, including vineyards located as far north as Vernon and South to Oliver, BC. Other entrepreneurial endeavours included producing both US and Canadian wine for rock legends the ‘Rolling Stones’, and distributing it internationally. The couple now own and operates ‘Groupe One Consulting’, offering business operations and marketing management services to the wine industry.
About the Global Perspectives Speaker Series
The Global Perspectives Speaker Series (GPSS) is produced by one of the Whistler Institute’s working committees. Topics are selected based on a blend of community input, contemporary global conversations, and access to speakers. These evening events focus on the world’s greatest challenges, elevating leading experts and game changers to share bold ideas, new perspectives, and disruptive concepts that have the potential to create positive change in the world today and into the future.
About the Whistler Institute
The Whistler Institute is a registered charity funded through private donors, foundations, government grants, and fees for service. We facilitate and promote place-based learning opportunities, and our mission is to influence change and inspire minds through education and thought leadership. The Whistler Institute gratefully and respectfully acknowledges that we operate on the land now known as Whistler, located on the shared, unceded territories of the Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh Nation and Líl̓wat Nation.