Vancouver Island
is the home of two notable culinary schools, Vancouver Island can boast a host of chefs that are truly masters of their trade. Seafood restaurants are plentiful and there is even a floating fish and chips shop located at fisherman's wharf. Since Victoria started to become an international stopping point for many cruise ships the visitors, the need grew. There are as many people visiting the city to sample the fine cuisine and locally brewed wines and beers as there are people visiting the island to stop off at Butchart Gardens these days.
The Okanagan Valley runs roughly north-south in the interior of Southern British Columbia. It lies between the Cascade Mountains on the west and the Monashee Mountains to the east. Lake Okanagan is the largest lake in this valley that also includes three smaller lakes in the south. They are the Skaha, Vaseaux and Osoyoos. These lakes ensure the viability of wineries even in the extreme south at Osoyoos which is classed as a desert climate area and is able to produce hot weather grapes like Shiraz.
The valley has the added advantage of consisting of a variety of micro-climates that make the cultivation of numerous varieties of grapes possible. Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon grow in the south and Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris thrive in the more northerly part of this valley.
Wonderful winery tours, samplings, superb restaurants and choice lodgings await the visitor and we highly recommend touring this extremely beautiful Lake District. Sample some world class wines and eat some of the best food anywhere.
British Columbia Brewers range from regional or national brewers to micro breweries and brew pubs. There are over 50 of these in the province crafting unique beers, ales, lagers and stouts and unique brews. Join us and try some.
Micro brewers use natural processes and the best ingredients BC has to offer.
The province is also home to a cider industry benefits from fruit harvested in the Okanagan, Thompson Valley, Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.
See what British Columbia brewers offer. Find out how their brews are crafted, enjoy a tour and try some brews.