British Columbia

The Okanagan Valley of British Columbia is known for its diverse terroir, and the region as a whole is somewhat eclectic. Much like Washington State, Okanagan’s patchwork quilt of microclimates and varying soil types growers have had success in planting grape varieties that thrive in both warm and cool climates. Stretching over 250 kilometers and lying in a rain shadow between two mountain ranges, it has an extreme continental climate and semi-desert environment with low annual rainfall. While average temperatures are low, July and August rise above 30°C and given its northerly location, it has very long days throughout the growing season.

There are 248 licensed wineries and a total of 929 vineyards spread over Okanagan’s seven viticultural regions. These are:

Kelowna-North Okanagan
Kelowna-Mount Boucherie
Summerland-Peachland
Penticton-Naramata
Okanagan Falls
Oliver/Golden Mile
Black Sage / Osoyoos

The major red varietals are Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir while Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris are the most promising white varieties.

Despite its relatively young winemaking history, the wines of British Columbia have begun to make waves and are poised to take the world stage with its range of microclimates and winemaking styles led by both European and New World winemakers who have relocated here to blaze new trails. Youthful, exciting wines expressive of its unique terroir, unbound by tradition yet embracing best practices from the world’s major wine regions, the Okanagan Valley lies at the exciting intersection of the Old and New World.