The 250km stretch of land that produces over 80% of the wine in BC is known as the Okanagan Valley. The Okanagan is BC’s most famed grape-growing region, and has earned a spot in the conversation for best in the country.
But how did this piece of BC grow to produce wine of exceptional quality, collect countless awards, and earn international fame? Several factors make the Okanagan Valley region special – and this article explains why.
Diverse Landscape & Soil
The landscape is a foundational aspect of the Okanagan Valley’s success. The valley is home to diverse geography and topography that includes lakefront slopes, rolling hills, grasslands, mountains, and even desert. The same goes for the soil. There is not one type of soil in the Okanagan – instead you’ll find glacial till, sand, gravel, and even volcanic soils throughout the region. It’s this diversity of landscape, soil, and temperature created by the valley’s towering hills and slopes that allows it to produce a wide range of grape varietals.
Unique Climate
Besides the varied landscapes and soil types, the Okanagan Valley also has a diverse climate going for it. While the north is generally cooler and the south warmer, the valley is known for hot, dry summers and relatively mild winters. That means the growing season is long, which allows the grapes to ripen to their full potential.
The presence of Okanagan Lake among the towering mountains and rolling hills also creates a unique microclimate. The lake acts as a thermal buffer, absorbing heat in the summer and releasing it in the winter. This temperature regulation helps extend the growing season, protect against winter frost, and retain grape acidity.
Range in Grape Varieties
Early grape-growing in the Okanagan Valley was scrapped due to U.S. prohibition in the 1920s, but once the restrictions were lifted, Okanagan Valley growers revived the industry using hybrid grapes, which are created by crossing different species. These hybrid grapes were able to withstand the varying climates, landscapes and soils.
Today, the Okanagan is able to grow a staggering range of grapes thanks to the diverse climates, soils and landscapes in the valley. Still, sparkling, fortified, dessert, and ice wines are produced in the Okanagan. Some of the most frequently grown white grape varieties include Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Gewürztraminer. For reds, there’s Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, and even warmer climate varieties like Sangiovese, Tempranillo, and Malbec.
Competition & Government Incentives
In the 1980s, Canada entered into the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which opened Canadian markets to American wine from California, Oregon, and Washington. The increase in competition from our neighbours to the south motivated the government to encourage growers to replace their hybrid and labrusca vines with vinifera vines, which are generally able to produce more flavour, complexity, and quality. World-famous German viticulturalist and grape grower Helmut Becker also urged Okanagan growers to make the switch.
The Vintners Quality Alliance
The Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) Act was established in 1991 with the goal of ensuring wine quality and maintaining an appellation of origin system. This system guarantees not only quality but authenticity by making sure growers meet standards related to grape origin and winemaking methods.
The VQA Act helped drive the wine making industry forward here in BC. As consumer trust and confidence in BC-grown wines increased, so did cooperation in the industry. These factors helped to improve the reputation of BC wines in international markets and right here at home.
Bringing in Awards
Things really started to ramp up for the Okanagan Valley once the awards started rolling in during the late 1990s and early 2000s. One turning point occurred when Mission Hill Family Estate won “Best Chardonnay in the World” at an international competition in the UK in the mid-90s.
Once the Okanagan Valley began taking home awards in major competitions, that’s when international wine enthusiasts and critics began to take notice.
Becoming a Tourist Destination
With ideal growing conditions, a strong wine-growing community, and international acclaim, all the Okanagan Valley had to do next was become a world-class destination. The natural beauty of the valley combined with its Mediterranean-like climate made it easy. There are numerous opportunities for hiking, biking, boating, golfing and other outdoor adventures, plus over 200 wineries growing some of the best wine in the country. Whether you prefer relaxation or adventure, the Okanagan Valley is a great destination for both.
It didn’t take long for the tourism infrastructure to catch up, with hotels and resorts popping up all across the valley. High-quality restaurants began spreading across the region, along with art galleries, festivals, and other cultural events.
Focusing on Sustainability
The Okanagan Valley is set to be a wine-making superpower for years to come thanks to its commitment to sustainable wine-making and organic grape growing. The movement is centered around being good stewards of the land, toxin-free winemaking, and preserving the environment for future generations.
Major producers like Summerhill Pyramid, Beaumont Family Estate, Mission Hill Family Estate and CedarCreek Estate are all certified organic. Looking at the region, the percentage of organic vineyards far outpaces the global average. As the world continues to grow interested in sustainability and organic products, the Okanagan Valley wine region is set to be a premier wine destination for decades to come.
While the Okanagan Valley is certainly worth visiting, you don’t need to travel all the way there to enjoy some of the best wines in the country. Springs Group proudly carries dozens of wines from the region. Visit one of 15 liquor stores across the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island to browse our selection!
