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Why Every Okanagan Winery Needs TIP—Because Grapes Aren’t the Only Thing That Should Be Covered!

Eric Biehn

Ah, the Okanagan—home to rolling vineyards, award-winning wines, and a seasonal workforce that comes and goes faster than a bottle of Pinot Gris at a summer picnic. If you own or manage a winery in Kelowna, Penticton, Naramata, or anywhere in BC’s wine country, you know the struggle of hiring (and keeping) great staff. That’s where The Industry Plan (TIP) comes in, serving up something almost as essential as a good corkscrew: health and dental coverage for your team, without the administrative headache or financial squeeze on your business.

A vineyard worker harvesting grapes in the Okanagan Valley, carefully picking grape clusters under the warm afternoon light, with rows of lush vines and rolling hills in the background, capturing the essence of seasonal winery work.
A vineyard worker harvesting grapes in the Okanagan Valley, carefully picking grape clusters under the warm afternoon light, with rows of lush vines and rolling hills in the background, capturing the essence of seasonal winery work.

Pour Yourself a Glass and Let’s Talk Benefits


The hospitality and wine industry thrives on a mix of full-time, part-time, and seasonal workers, but traditional benefits plans? Yeah, they don’t really get that. They require minimum hours, long-term commitments, and often exclude part-time or contract staff. TIP breaks that mold by offering a group health plan that requires no minimum hours, no medical questions, and zero exclusions for pre-existing conditions. Your employees—whether they’re pruning vines in March or pouring Merlot in July—get seamless, portable coverage they can take with them, no matter where they work next.


How TIP Helps You Attract & Retain Great Staff


Let’s be real: hiring seasonal staff is a competitive game—you need to offer something meaningful to stand out. Health benefits might not be as flashy as free tastings, but they go a long way in helping you attract top talent. Employees who feel valued and protected are more likely to return next season, recommend your winery to others, and be engaged while they’re on the job.

TIP allows you to offer a true value-add without any direct cost to you. That’s right—you can promote it as an optional perk without taking on any financial burden. We handle enrollment, administration, and support, making it a seamless addition to your employee offerings. You get the employer cred without the employer headaches.


Flexible, Just Like Your Workforce


Unlike traditional benefits that lock employees into strict policies, TIP is as fluid as a well-aged Syrah:


  • No minimum work hours – Whether they’re working 5 hours a week or 50, they’re eligible.

  • No barriers to enrollment – No health questions, no exclusions, no fine print.

  • Portability – They can keep their coverage even if they hop between wineries, restaurants, or tourism gigs.

  • Affordable group pricing – Employees get comprehensive coverage at a rate far better than individual health plans.


The Final Sip


If you want to attract top talent, keep them happy, and offer a benefit that actually makes sense for the wine industry, TIP is your answer. It’s a simple, effective, and minimal-risk way to show your team that you care, without adding to your overhead. Because at the end of the day, a happy, healthy team makes for a better guest experience—and isn’t that the whole point of a great winery?


So, let’s raise a glass to smarter employee benefits in the Okanagan. Ready to make TIP part of your hiring strategy? Visit mytip.ca and let’s get started!

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