Abstract
This study reveals the development of wineries and its impact on rural commodification in Cowichan Valley in Vancouver Island, Canada. Wineries of Cowichan valley (total of 16) could be categorized as large-scale, medium-scale and small-scale wineries by the vineyard acreage. Mutual interdependency among wineries from small-scale to large-scale has largely impacted on its strong brand image and competitiveness in wine production regions through the development of wine tourism. Further, interconnections between wineries and local farms have resulted in the slow-food movement and the development of rural tourism, which could be identified as the core to the expansion of rural commodification. Weekly held farmers’ market has played a key role in creating close interactions between wineries and farms. Wineries of Cowichan valley originated as result of farmland acquisitions and wine productions by new farmers who longed for a rural and agricultural life. Their strong preferences and passion for wine and networking has triggered the commodification of rural space in the area.
