For the past few years, we’ve had the privilege of photographing and telling stories throughout Summerland and along Bottleneck Drive.

We’ve spent days in its vineyards and orchards. We’ve sat at picnic tables under old trees, wandered dusty farm roads, photographed winemakers, growers, cider makers, and raised more than a few glasses with the people who make this place what it is.

And somewhere along the way, we fell pretty hard for Summerland.

In the wake of the devastating wildfire, we wanted to share some of the photographs and videos we’ve captured here over the years. A small record of this extraordinary community, its land, its businesses and the people behind them.

Because Summerland really is magic.

And right now, this community needs us.

Many of the wineries, cideries, breweries, farms and small businesses along Bottleneck Drive are family businesses. They employ local people, buy from local suppliers, farm this land and pour enormous amounts of themselves into what they make.

So when you’re picking up wine at the liquor store, ordering a bottle at a restaurant, shopping online, planning a future visit or choosing a gift card, please look for a Summerland producer.

We’ve linked directly to Bottleneck Drive members below so you can find them, shop from them and support them.

Choose Summerland. Choose local.

And for those looking for other ways to help families and businesses affected by the wildfire, HelpSummerland.ca has been created as a central place to find current community resources and ways to contribute.

Mamas for Mamas is also collecting essential items for parents, babies and families who have been displaced by the fires. Donations can be dropped off at their Kelowna headquarters at 1735 Dolphin Ave, Unit 120, Monday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. They’re also accepting items ordered online and sent directly to them, including through their Amazon Wishlist.

Because many displaced families are staying in hotels, RVs and temporary accommodations, Mamas for Mamas is asking that donations be packed in small bags or boxes whenever possible.

Every practical contribution helps right now, from diapers and toiletries to a gift card, a local purchase, or simply sharing where support is needed.

Summerland’s recovery will continue long after the fire is contained, especially for the families, farms, wineries, cideries and small businesses whose livelihoods are rooted here. Visiting when it’s safe, buying Summerland wine and cider, ordering directly from producers, purchasing gift cards, booking future stays at Summerland Waterfront Resort and sharing these businesses with others are all ways to keep supporting the community in the weeks and months ahead.

Take a little time to discover the wineries, cideries, breweries, farms and other producers that make Bottleneck Drive such a special part of Summerland.

Visit their websites. Follow them on social media. Share their posts. Tell your friends about the places you love. And when you can, buy something.

A bottle of wine, a case of cider, a gift card, an online order or a future tasting-room visit all put support directly into this community.

Show these producers some love now, and keep showing up for them in the weeks and months ahead.

Explore Bottleneck Drive. Share widely. Choose Summerland.