Approximately forty types of grapes are harvested in these Multi-Climate Valleys even though the Okanagan is only 150 miles long and the Similkameen, which runs east from the south part of the Okanagan to Princeton, is 60 miles in length. This ensures that wine connoisseurs have an unbelievable variety to choose from including seldom found varieties such as Petite Verdot and Ehrenfelser. Some of these lesser known grapes are integral to producing certain European styles of wine such as German Rhine or Champagne blends. People visiting from Europe can experience the Canadian version of their blended wines as well, including the Bordeaux style.

Soil type, temperature, moisture, level of sunshine and elevation are the variables that determine which types of grapes will work in any given area. This is what makes the Okanagan/Similkameen so special. The higher elevation Similkameen is a picture of extremes. It can be extremely hot in the summer and quite cold in the winter. It is also extremely dry with hot winds blowing through in the summertime. This is where relatively rare varieties such as Viognier and Tokay thrive.

The south end of the Okanagan at Osoyoos is actually part of the Sonora Desert that stretches down into the U.S.A. The blistering hot summers allow the Shiraz and Pinot Noir grapes to ripen fully. As we move north towards Kelowna, Chardonnay and Merlot varietals start to take over and as we get to the north end Riesling and Gewürztraminer start to proliferate. This relatively compact area makes for some very interesting wine tours and tastings. Furthermore, if you have the time you can experience the harvest in the south and move gradually north where the harvest is often 3 weeks later. To experience a similar variety of wines in Europe you would have to travel through Germany, France, Italy and Switzerland. The Okanagan has it all.

Check out BCFoodandWines pages on grape varieties, wineries and the history of our wine industry in the accompanying sections Enjoy!

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 Monahee 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. Cheers!!!