Winery and Brewery Insurance.
Each winery and brewery is as unique as the wine or beer you produce.
Let our experts craft a tailored policy for your business so your can focus on the fruits of your labour.
What is Winery and Brewery Insurance?
Each winery and brewery is as unique as the ingredients it takes to make the perfect pour. Your business reflects the landscape, grape varietals, hops and people that put their all into each bottle.
As a winery or brewery owner, you know firsthand the hard work and dedication that goes into creating high-quality products. But the risks and challenges of the industry are always present – from natural disasters to accidents and liability issues. That's why winery and brewery insurance is so important. It's a crucial tool in protecting our investments and the livelihoods of those who depend on you. With winery and brewery insurance, you can have peace of mind knowing that we're covered in the event of a covered loss. But it's not just about protecting yourself – it's about protecting the people who will ultimately enjoy and benefit from our products. By investing in winery and brewery insurance, you're investing in the safety and security of our operations and the communities we serve.
That's why it's important to have an insurance package crafted as carefully as you craft your blends. Let us blend the right coverages, so your business is covered, and you can focus on your passion for wine, beer or cider, as well as distilleries.
From wineries in the heart of the Okanagan to breweries in the exchange district in Winnipeg, we’ve got you covered.
Why choose Summit?
We help Canadian Business Owners craft the perfect insurance policy for their business.
Our team takes pride in our relentless responsiveness. When you need us, we're here.
We compare rates and coverages across leading insurance companies to ensure you get the best value on your premium.
We craft the perfect insurance policy for your business so you can rest easy knowing you're covered.
Your dedicated account manager is there for you as your business grows ensuring your insurance policy grows with you
Winery & Brewery Insurance FAQs
Business Insurance can be complicated. We're here to help.
Winery and brewery insurance is a specialized type of coverage that helps protect your business from the unique risks associated with producing, packaging, distributing, and selling alcoholic beverages.
Common industry risks that can be addressed by winery and brewery insurance are:
Crop Risks: Grapes are highly susceptible to hail, drought, floods, pests, infections, bacteria and other forms of damage,
Contamination: From the vine or hops to the finished product, contamination is possible at nearly any point in the manufacturing process. Whatever the case, if quality is compromised, it could make some or all of the stock unusable, putting your business back monthsm or even years.
Product Recall: A product recall can involve lost time, extra shipping charges and losses associated with not having a sellable product available for consumers.
Storage and Shipping - If a product is stored offsite or transported by an outside party you still may be responsible for the product’s safety. With the rise in wine clubs, online sales and wholesaling this coverage is increasingly relevant.
Liquor Liability: if you are involved in retail sales directly to the consumer or if your winery or brewery hosts tastings or other events that serve alcohol, your liability will increase as you could be held responsible for damages that result from over serving guests or serving minors.
Whether you are a full scale winery or brewery in Kelowna or you just provide tours along the Naramata Bench everyone in the business of wine and craft beer needs insurance.
Liquor liability is a type of coverage that provides financial protection for an establishment if it is held liable for damages or injuries resulting from the sale, service, or furnishing of alcoholic beverages. Coverage may also include defence costs related to such claims as well as any associated legal fees.
Generally speaking, liquor liability insurance offers protection in cases where the establishment can be held accountable for providing alcohol to customers who then cause harm or damage after leaving the premises. In some cases, it may also provide protection from third-party claims of property damage due to alcohol consumption. It is important to note that liquor liability coverage typically does not cover any losses related to alcohol sold off-premises.
There are several steps that winery and brewery owners can take to mitigate their insurance risk:
Review your insurance coverage: Make sure that you have the appropriate coverage for your business needs. This may include general liability insurance, property insurance, business interruption insurance, and employment practices liability insurance, among others.
Implement risk management measures: Implementing risk management measures can help to reduce the likelihood of a claim occurring. This may include maintaining a safe and clean environment, properly training employees, and properly maintaining equipment and facilities.
Have a risk management plan in place: Having a written risk management plan can help to ensure that you are prepared to handle potential risks and minimize their impact on your business. This may include having a plan in place for natural disasters, fires, and other potential hazards.
Review your insurance policy regularly: It is important to review your insurance policy regularly to ensure that it is still appropriate for your business needs. As your business grows and changes, your insurance needs may also change.
Work with a trusted insurance broker: Working with a trusted insurance broker who knows your industry can help you to identify potential risks and ensure that you have the appropriate coverage in place to protect your business. They can also help you to review and update your coverage as needed.
Whether you are a full scale winery or brewery in Kelowna or you just provide tours along the Naramata Bench everyone in the business of wine and craft beer needs insurance.
At Summit, we offer a comprehensive winery package that has everything to keep your business covered, some common coverages may include:
Business Liability: Liability is the financial responsibility of your business resulting from damage that’s caused to property or bodily injury of a third party. If one of your customers slips and falls during a tasting this coverage would respond.
Commercial Property: Commercial property insurance for a winery typically covers the physical buildings, associated structures and other equipment on the premises. This includes things like vineyards, winemaking equipment, storage facilities, tasting rooms, offices, cottages or accommodation blocks
Special Valuation of Stock: Cellared, vintage or rare wines are valued differently than bulk wines. Our packages can include sale valuation of damaged stock.
Stock in Transit and Stock in Storage: Shipping your product to your customers via a wine club or online sales, storing wine off-site or wholesaling is common practice in the industry. Our packages offer coverage for both scenarios in the event of a claim.
Property Extensions: Trellises, wine leakage, processing water and repackaging stock are all available coverages.
There are a variety of potential claims that can arise for wineries and breweries. Some common types of claims include:
Product liability claims: These claims may arise if a product is defective or causes injury or harm to a consumer.
Property damage claims: These claims may arise if the winery or brewery's property is damaged, either by a natural disaster or some other event.
Business interruption claims: These claims may arise if the winery or brewery is forced to close temporarily due to a covered event, such as a fire or natural disaster.
Liability claims: These claims may arise if someone is injured on the winery or brewery's property, or if the business is sued for some other reason.
Winery & Brewery Insurance should never be sold solely on price. You are protecting your most important asset. Our mission is to find you the perfect coverage but also find the best priced policy with that coverage.
The exact cost for your insurance policy varies according to factors such as:
The size of your operation
Where production takes place (on-site or off)
How vulnerable your operation is to natural disasters (like wildfires)
Whether you offer tours or have a tasting room