Okanagan Valley Canada

The Okanagan Valley, a spectacular region of British Columbia, Western Canada, not only wine fans should come to discover this amazing valley but also outdoor lovers since the lake and the land activities are numerous: boating, cycling, golfing and just enjoying the numerous beaches along the shore of this superb lake.

The Okanagan Valley of Canada is located in the interior of British Columbia, is a Destination with a big plus, in one of the most scenic provinces of Canada

This exceptional area, the warmest in Canada, is an eye opener with striking landscapes along the Okanagan lake that divides the East and West side of this wonder valley.

Offering lake and land activities, this is a spectacular region to expand your horizons with mixed pleasures of sports, on the lake relaxed moments, culinary pleasures and, certainly not to be ignored: beautiful wines from spectacular vineyards.

This is a land of orchards, wineries and lake driven activities. Locations with name such as “Peachland” and “Summerland”, really define what this valley is famous for, an exceptionally sunny and fertile valley

Milder climate than most regions of Canada, the 4 seasons are quite distinct, though winter does not last as long as elsewhere in this country and summer extends later into the fall as well.

The most favourable visiting season spreads from April to October with a hot and dry summer to enjoy lake time, golfing, cycling and much more.

Here is a map of the region with a few facts about transportation, average temperatures, and population of the region

Welcome to the fruit and wine cellar of Western Canada

The wineries and varietals

Since 1859 when the first vineyard was created in this valley, the evolution of the wine industry has gone leaps and bounds to become the second largest wine production area of Canada.

Continental climates tempered with the humidity effect of the lake and are beneficial to as many as some 60 different varietals grown in the region. The combinations of soils, exposure and location will

allow some delicate, fragrant white wines as well as light reds in the northern part of the region, driving to the south will make you discover rich and opulent, full bodied red wines.

Among the 182 Licensed wineries to choose from, we had to make a selection of a few, that we believe represent well the many facets of experience and master-craft of talented winemakers.

Here is, based on personal experience and greatly appreciated advice of Maryke, ex-Sommelier at the renowned restaurant Whistler Bearfoot Bistro, our selection of some of the best wineries in the area:

Kelowna / West Kelowna

CEDAR-CREEK * http://cedarcreek.bc.ca
TANTALUS * http://tantalus.ca
QUAILS GATE * http://quailsgate.com
EX-NIHILO * https://exnihilovineyards.com

Peachland

FITZPATRICK VINEYARDS http://fitzwine.com

* = Restaurant or picnic possible
H = Possible Accommodation

Okanagan Valley Canada, Harvest in Oliver, courtesy of BC Wines

Varietals found in the Okanagan Region

Albarino
Barbera
Cabernet Franc
Ewhrenfelser
Gamay
Kerner
Lemberger
Malbec
Auxerrois Blanc
Cabernet Sauvignon
Gewürztraminer
Léon Millot
M.al Foch
Grüner Veltliner
Merlot
Caste
Muscat
Chasselas
Muscat-Ottonel
Chenin Blanc
Oraniensteiner
Petit Verdot
Riesling
Sangiovese
Trebbiano
Vidal Blanc
Zinfandel
Pinot Blanc
Rotberger
Semillon
Tempranillo
Viognier
Zweigelt
Pinot Gris
Siggerebe
Pinot Meunier
Syrah
Pinot Noir
Pinotage

BC wines Okanagan Valley Canada Harvest

Most of the wineries are offering private and public tours of their grounds and operations as well as some propose wine pairing and tasting with some even having restaurants and picnic areas with local products

Enjoying food and beautiful wines amongst the vineyards, courtesy of BC Wine Institute

Make new friends on the Okanagan lake!

Okanagan Valley Canada

Welcome to the fruit and wine cellar of Western Canada

The wineries and varietals

Kelowna / West Kelowna

Peachland

Naramata

Okanagan Falls

Oliver

Osoyoos