British Columbia is a major wine destination that pairs award-winning wines with spectacular scenery.
There are more than 200 wineries in BC. They range from intimate, family-run vineyards on pristine Vancouver Island to magnificent estate wineries set amongst sparkling lakes and golden deserts in the Okanagan Valley. To complete a BC wine getaway, some wineries have accommodations, restaurants, bistros or picnic areas.
Join fellow wine lovers at BC wine festivals or combine a winery tour with other activities. Swim or golf in the Okanagan, bike on the Gulf Islands, or explore restaurants in Vancouver.
Learn about wineries and vineyards in BC’s regions:
Thompson Okanagan: BC’s major wine-producing region. The Okanagan Valley is home to more than 120 wineries, and the Similkameen Valley was named one of the "5 Best Wine Regions You've Never Heard Of" by Air Canada's enRoute magazine (2009).
Vancouver Island: More than 25 small, family-owned wineries exist here and focus on small-batch, high-quality white, red, sparkling and fruit wines.
Vancouver Coast & Mountains: The Fraser Valley has more than 15 wineries just a short drive from Vancouver.
Kootenay Rockies: A fledgling wine region that produces small-lot premium wines near Creston and Trail.
Cariboo Chilcotin Coast: The rugged Fraser Canyon is the site of the Cariboo’s first winery.
Download the 2016 British Columbia Winery Touring Guide and start planning your trip.
Wine Awards and Accolades
The Okanagan Valley has been named a Frommer's "Top Travel Destination," and BC wines consistently rank among the world’s best at international competitions. In 2010, BC wines received trophies at the prestigious International Wine & Spirit Competition in London, and earned Best in Show and Gold medals at more than 10 other major international competitions.
Wine Varieties & VQA
An astounding 60 varieties of grapes are grown in BC – everything from Auxerrois to Zweigelt. Popular red wine varietals include Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Cabernet Franc. Top white wine varietals include Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Blanc.
Many wineries participate in the Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA). This designation guarantees a wine’s appellation of origin and stipulates quality standards. In essence, BC VQA indicates the wine is 100 percent from BC. VQA wines can be purchased at VQA wine stores throughout the province.
BC Icewine
As the northernmost region of grape growing and winemaking in North America, BC produces some of the world's most sought-after Icewine. Icewine is a sweet dessert wine made from naturally frozen grapes. Icewine grapes are typically harvested at temperatures from -8°C to -20°C/18°F to -4°F between November and February – and often by moonlight!
Popular Wineries
In the Okanagan, wander the breathtaking estate at Mission Hill or learn about Aboriginal culture at Nk’Mip Cellars. Admire Lake Okanagan views at Gray Monk and CedarCreek.
On Vancouver Island, take in the Cowichan Valley vista at Averill Creek, or sail to nearby Salt Spring Island for an intimate tour of Garry Oaks Winery or Salt Spring Vineyards.
Domaine de Chaberton, the oldest winery near Vancouver, offers wine tours and French cuisine. The Fort Wine Company bottles the bounty of the Fraser Valley with luscious fruit wines, and Vista D'oro offers table wines and artisanal preserves.
Skimmerhorn Winery and Vineyard creates local wine and cuisine with magnificent mountain views of the Kootenay Rockies. Family-owned Fort Berens Estate Winery is the first winery in the rugged Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region.
Winery Tours and When to Visit
Depending on your needs, spend a day wine touring or plan a week-long wine vacation in BC. Ask local visitor centres for winery information and maps for a self-guided wine tour. Or arrange for a guided wine tour with a driver in popular regions like the Okanagan Valley and Vancouver Island.
Many wineries offer tours and nearly all offer tastings and onsite sales year-round, but "high season" runs from April until October. Call ahead during the off-season.
Some wineries welcome overnight stays and most are located near communities with plenty of accommodations. Many wineries incorporate food: nibble locally-made treats at a winery picnic area, or enjoy gourmet lunch on a patio overlooking vineyards.
Wine Festivals
Okanagan wine festivals occur in all seasons, the largest being the Okanagan Fall Wine Festival. Vancouver Island’s annual Cowichan Wine & Culinary Festival is also popular. Both regions host festivals combining wine, food, music and art.
Practical Points
- Nominal fees may be in effect for tastings.
- It is recommended to call before visiting – some wineries have variable visiting hours.
- Local visitor centres are a good source of information.
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