Historic agricultural magazine Orchard & Vine changes hands

Published on June 13, 2023 by David Wylie - Okanagan Journal

https://okanaganjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Yvonne-Turgeon-and-Lisa-Olson-Orchard-and-Vine-300x204.jpg 300w, https://okanaganjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Yvonne-Turgeon-and-Lisa-Olson-Orchard-and-Vine-768x521.jpg 768w" alt="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" />Photo: David Wylie/OJ

In print since 1959, Orchard & Vine magazine has a new owner.

Yvonne Turgeon, who recently founded Thompson-Okanagan Trends Magazine, has acquired the longstanding agricultural trade magazine. She made the announcement at a news conference at the Laurel Packinghouse, which houses the Okanagan Wine and Orchard Museum.

“It’s a historic day and we’re in a historic place,” says Turgeon.

The museum houses Orchard & Vine’s archives. When it started in ’59, the magazine was called The BC Orchardist. The name changed in 2003 to include the wine industry. The publication now covers tree fruit, berry, grape, wine, cider and spirit industries across Canada.

Lisa Olson has published the magazine for 18 years. She says she’s happy that Turgeon has taken the reins.

“I really wanted the legacy to continue,” she says.

The deal was closed with the help of Community Futures Central Okanagan.

Cheryl Fast, a business advisor with the organization, says such publications help industry as a whole.

“It’s fundamental to the growth of other businesses,” she says.

The upcoming issue of Orchard & Vine will focus on innovation.