Activities

OKANAGAN WINERIES

BC Wines are world-class and world renowned. And about 70% of BC’s wineries are in this region!

The Okanagan Valley is a treasure trove for anyone who enjoys a glass of wine. This is British Columbia’s oldest and main grape-growing region. Indeed, the industry here is older than most realize. During the 1920s, plantings near Kelowna began to supply grapes on a commercial scale. But it is since the introduction of large-scale irrigation that B.C.’s wine industry has grown enormously.

Although it lies on the same latitude as the northern German and French vineyards, the Okanagan Valley is an entirely different kind of growing region. The three main long lakes in the valley – Skaha, Kalamalka and Okanagan – create an ideal temperate climate for wine-producing. Distinct microclimates occur throughout the Valley. There are hot, sandy zones in the south that transition into cooler vineyards in the north with richer, deep soils and clays. This wide range makes it possible to visit neighboring vineyards in the region that produce completely different wines.

Local wines have become more distinguished and many truly world-class wines come from this area. You can enjoy three wine festivals during the year, and visit wineries whatever time of year you may be here. You’ll find a wide variety of wine and food experiences indeed. The wine route is well marked with winery signs visible from the highway and on major back roads. Finding some particular vineyards can be a little more difficult. The latest edition of “British Columbia’s Wine Country” will help. You can pick it up at any government liquor store or tourism office.

You’ll find crisp, fruity white wines and scrumptious dessert wines. More and more red wine grapes are being grown in the southern Okanagan and the Similkameen Valleys. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot are found throughout this southern area. Pinot noir is also widely planted.

The full wine experience on your Okanagan vacation is much more than the wine. Many wineries offer dining experiences, created by world-class chefs who marry regional cuisine with every imaginable vintage. In addition, wineries are developing cultural partnerships with theatrical troupes, musicians and artists who perform on-site for special events throughout the year.

Anyone with any interest in wine at all will find much to enjoy in the Okanagan.

You can find detailed information at:

Please click here for more information on BC’s major wineries
Select Kelowna/Mount Boucherie for a list of local estates.

British Columbia Wine Museum

1304 Ellis Street, Kelowna, BC
Visit Website
250.868.0441
The Wine Museum has a selection of British Columbia V.Q.A. wines from more than 25 wineries throughout the province.

BC Wine Information Centre

888 Westminster Avenue West, Penticton, BC
Visit Website
250.490.2006