Located in West Canada, in the province British Columbia (BC), you will find a world class wine region called the Okanagan Valley. This area is one of nine distinct regions in BC, and BC’s premier grape growing region, boasting nearly 9/10 of the province’s vineyard acreage. 

Unique Climate

British Columbia has a unique climate on the world’s most northerly threshold of where wine can be produced. The Okanagan Valley is at the same latitude as Champagne in France and Rheingau in Germany, but has a much warmer climate during the growing season. 

Oldest BC wine region, eleven official sub regions

As mentioned, the Okanagan Valley is the largest of BC’s wine regions, and is also the oldest. This wine region stretches from the US border at Osoyoos in the south over 180 km to the north past Vernon. The lakes are temperature moderators. The Okanagan Valley has eleven official sub regions, learn more about these sub regions here.

Grape Varietals

In the South you will find late ripening red varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. The Central Okanagan is well suited for Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Merlot. And the North of this wine region is home to aromatic white grapes such as Gewurztraminer, Riesling and Burgundian varietals like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

BC wine is getting the world’s attention. A visit to this wine region will answer the why. With 226 licensed grape wineries in the Okanagan Valley, along with stunning scenery, great food and amazing wines, you will make unforgettable wine memories. It is undeniable to taste the passion in a glass from small producing winemakers (BC produces 0.08% of the world’s wine) who are dedicated to their craft, and are focused on creating quality wines.

Wineries and Vineyards

You could say that there are as many different styles wineries as different grape varieties (more than 80) prominent in BC. The Okanagan Valley is home to a beautiful mixture of wineries, each with an unique ambiance and story. Exploring Okanagan wineries is an active research project of mine, to put it in another way, I sip and experience my way through the Okanagan Valley, and I am pretty confident to lead you the way.

Wine Tasting Experiences

A wine tasting experience is a great way to explore the wines produced by the winery. You usually get to taste 4 of 5 different wines, and more than once you are able to hand pick the wines you would like to taste or give a preference for White wines or Red Wines. During peak season, July and August, it is highly recommended to book a tasting in advance to avoid disappointment. Wine tasting is a very popular activity in the Okanagan Valley. Wineries also offer special tours, such as barrel tastings and vineyard tours, to give you a more extensive, educational and unique experience. I would highly recommend booking such a tour when you get the chance! 

Scenic Beauty

Surrounded by mountains and with beautiful lakes, with the largest of them all called ‘Okanagan Lake’, the scenery is breathtaking and enhances the overall wine experience. Not to mention the stunning pictures you are able to take with a glass of wine in your hand, and a smile from ear to ear.

Local Cuisine and Pairings

The food is as mouth watering as the wines. There are wineries with an own restaurant or bistro, where they craft amazing dishes and you are able to order a bottle or glass of a wine you just tasted. The cuisine is as divers as the wineries themselves. At some wineries you are able to order a charcuterie board to enjoy along with your tasting. 

When to Visit

Wine tourism season in the Okanagan Valley typically runs from Spring to Early Autumn. Summer in the Okanagan is characteristically hot, with temperatures rising to 40 degrees Celsius and beyond. During this peak season, it get much more crowded. In May and June most wineries are open, and it will be less busy. September is also a great month to visit this wine region. Note that some wineries may have limited hours during Spring and Early Autumn, and/or seasonal closures. 

Transportation 

The Okanagan Valley is a large area. Having a car to your availability is a non negotiable when exploring this wine region. You can easily book a rental car at Kelowna International Airport, connecting you to the entire Okanagan Valley.

Coordination

When visiting wineries, try to visit wineries that are close by on the same day, to enhance your wine experience of that day. Also make sure to plan a moment to eat some delicious food, after sipping on some wines. You would be able to comfortably visit 4 or 5 wineries on a day. 

Guided Tours

Don’t want to worry about driving and coordinating your wine tasting tour? There are different local businesses who offer guided wine tours, such as Sip Happens Wine Tours. This option is practical and provides a group experience. It also has the designated driver part covered.

Stays

The Okanagan Valley is a four-season destination and therefore home to great places to stay during your visit. Hotels, resorts, B&B’s/Airbnb’s, plenty of choice. Want to stay at a winery? Well, you are in luck, there are wineries with accommodations throughout the Okanagan Valley. From simple and cozy to ultra luxurious, such as Summerhill Estate House Bed & Breakfast Kelowna.

The question is: wine not?

BC’s premier wine growing region is a must visit destination for wine lovers who like to explore a world class wine region, with stunning scenery, great hospitality and amazing craftmanship.

This trip will leave you marveling once you are back home, sipping on a BC wine which you took home in your suitcase, and with each sip you will relive the wine memories made.

Wine Talk

Want to know more about this unique wine region and do you have the dream of visiting this amazing wine region? Feel free to contact me and I am happy to assist you in your aspiring wine journey.

Cheers,

Coraline