 Red Rooster Winery, Penticton, Don Weixl photo
Learn more about Wineries in the following regions:
Vancouver Island
Vancouver, Coast and Mountains
Thompson Okanagan
Awards and Accolades
In fact, the Okanagan Valley (located in the central BC Thompson Okanagan region) was named one of Frommer's Top Travel Destinations in 2007 and BC's wines regularly win national awards, including Mission Hill Family Estate, which won "Best Icewine" at the 2008 Northwest Wine Summit. It is not surprising that this year’s Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival theme is “Celebrate British Columbia”, held March 23-29 – an event featuring 1,700 wines and 183 wineries.
Plentiful BC Wine VarietiesThere are more than 150 wineries across three regions, with an astounding 60 varieties of grapes being grown in BC - from the traditional varietals, to the exotic.
The most popular-selling BC wines are Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Gris, Blended Reds and Pinot Noirs.
Famous BC IcewineThe northernmost region of grape growing and winemaking in North America, BC has the ideal setting and climate for cultivating cool-climate grapes. The province also produces some of the world's most sought-after icewines - a sweet dessert wine made from grapes harvested at a temperature ranging between -8°C -13°C/18°F-9°, respectively), and often by moonlight! In 2008, Mission Hill Family Estate won the International Wine Challenge (IWC) trophy for the world's top icewine at Europe's major wine competition.
BC's mix of topography and geology together with its lakes, fresh air and intense sunlight create a very unique growing environment. BC has a shorter growing season than many other wine regions, but the long hours of daylight and the intensity of the light, in combination with other environmental factors, make for exceptionally fresh fruits with a very pure flavour.
Types of Wineries and VineyardsWineries in BC range from large facilities with enormous outputs, to small, family-run operations where wine can only be purchased direct from the winery.
Many wineries offer tours and nearly all offer tastings and onsite sales throughout the year, but "high season" usually runs from April until October, and it's a good idea to call ahead during the off-season. Many also operate gourmet restaurants and casual bistros.
The Vintners Quality Alliance and wine designationsWine lovers visiting BC may also come across references to the Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA), which is a national symbol of quality wine, similar to the AOC in France or the DOC in Italy. Some wineries do not participate in the VQA program, which does not mean that they produce a lower standard of wine - you'll have to just try them all!
Wine Routes
Burgundy and white signs with a picture of a bunch of grapes guide visitors to wineries throughout the province. Signs indicate direction and number of kilometres from the highway - so be on the lookout! See the wine touring page for more information.
Wine FestivalsOkanagan wine festivals occur in all four seasons while Vancouver Island’s annual wine festival is becoming increasingly popular with locals and visitors. Both regions host festivals combining wine, food, music and art.
Wineries & Vineyards in BC:There are five main wine-producing areas within BC, spread across three regions. The Okanagan Valley, Similkameen Valley, Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands each have unique climates and topography, which makes for unforgettable and unique wines.
Vancouver IslandThis region is famed for its crisp whites and luscious fruit wines; BC’s only meaderies are also found here. Many Vancouver Island wineries are small and family-owned and focus on lower volume, high-quality product.
> More about Vancouver Island Wineries and Vineyards
Vancouver, Coast & MountainsThe Fraser Valley is home to a fledgling wine industry noted for it superb, small-batch wines. This expansive and fertile area is home to more than 10 wineries covering about 28 hectares (70 acres) of vineyards.
> More about Vancouver Coast and Mountains Wineries and Vineyards
Thompson OkanaganBC’s major wine-producing region, the Okanagan Valley, is home to over 100 wineries at last count. Nicknamed “Napa of the North,” it is a Frommer’s Top Travel Destination for 2007 and has an ideal climate for grape growing, with four distinct seasons and ample sunshine.
> More about Thompson Okanagan Wineries and Vineyards
Find out more about taking in some of BC's best wines on your next visit:
> See Wine Tips for Touring and Tasting
To learn more about BC's wineries and vineyard businesses, click on the listing below:
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