Slumping wineries look for ways to uncork sales

The price of a toast is about to get cheaper.

A slumping economy and drooping worldwide wine consumption has forced wineries in the Okanagan to find ways to increase sales.

Kelowna's Summerhill Pyramid Winery, which has produced award-winning vintages year-after-year, is feeling the pinch.

"It's the first time I can say I am truly affected by this," said Summerhill owner Stephen Cipes.

Global wine consumption dropped last year by just under one per cent after years of growth, reported the Paris-based International Organization of Vine and Wine. The group blamed economic tough times.