Discover
Similkameen Valley Wine Country
Similkameen Valley Wine region
Venture off the beaten path for wine touring in a hidden valley shaped by rivers and an eclectic heritage.
Lesser-known and slightly off the well-trodden tourist track, the Similkameen Valley sits at the crossroads of rustic living and refined taste. Often called the organic farming capital of Canada, the Similkameen Valley blends bold wines with its agricultural roots. The area is home to Similamix and Smalqmix First Nations, as well as a diverse group of settlers, who moved to the area for farming, ranching, and prospecting during the Gold Rush.
Though farm stands, orchards, and vineyards thrive in and around the villages of Cawston and Keremeos, this hidden haven is also a nature-lover’s playground. Layered landscapes feature crystalline rivers, tangerine-tinged cliffs, and jewel-toned valleys—perfect for hiking, camping, and river floats. Cradled by the Cascade Mountains, this fertile valley bridges the coastal rainforest to the west with the desert-like landscapes of the Okanagan Valley to the east. Today, over 20 boutique wineries showcase the region’s dynamic terroir and diverse cultural heritage.
A Climate that Builds Character
With dramatic temperature shifts between seasons, the Similkameen Valley experiences long, hot summers and cold winters. The Cascade Mountains shield the valley from coastal storms, resulting in low rainfall and arid growing conditions. Due to the steep surrounding mountains and the reflectivity of the rock, heat remains in the valley long after the sun sets. While there are no cooling lake breezes to temper the heat, a strong, persistent wind sweeps through the valley, naturally reducing disease pressure and helping forge hardy, resilient vines.
Mineral Rich Soil
The Similkameen Valley has the highest percentage of certified organic farms in Canada, a testament to its arid climate, steady winds, and naturally fertile soils. The terroir is rich in calcium carbonate, contributing to the distinct minerality often found in wines from this region. Soil composition includes stone, gravel, and silty loams formed by glacial activity and deposited over time by rushing rivers and shifting terrain.
17
Wineries
20+
varietals
768
ACRES PLANTED
Similkameen VALLEY
WINERIES
Exploring British Columbia’s vineyards reveals the unique terroir & diverse varietals flourishing in this picturesque Canadian province.
Similkameen Valley
Similkameen Valley
Similkameen Valley
Similkameen Valley
Similkameen Valley
Similkameen Valley
Similkameen Valley
Similkameen Valley
Similkameen Valley
Beyond Tastings: Regional Activities
With a reputation for fresh, organic ingredients, the Similkameen Valley is best experienced through your palate first. Meander between farm stands and sample locally made provisions, freshly baked goods, and small-batch artisan treats. Beyond the agricultural bounty lies a raw, rugged natural escape accented by ochre bluffs, craggy mountains, and rushing rivers. Hike through pristine parks, fish or float along the river, and cycle between vineyard rows. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife—you might just spot a bighorn sheep or mountain goat in the distance. While you’re in Keremeos, look up at K Mountain, towering over town, to see the naturally formed letter ‘K’ etched into its rocky flanks.
Play Outside
- Downhill skiing & snowboarding
- Snowshoeing
- Hiking
- Mountain biking
- Cycling
- Watersports
- Golfing
- Fishing
- Horseback riding
- Motorcycle touring
- Wildlife viewing
- Spotted Lake
Adventure Together
- Museums & galleries
- Live music
- Heritage attractions
- Festivals & events
unwind
- Shopping
- Markets
- Farm stands
- Self-guided walking tours
- Indigenous tour experiences
EXPLORE
MORE BC WINE REGIONS
The Okanagan Valley
10,920
Acres Planted
210
Licensed Grape Wineries
With an ever-changing panorama, the valley stretches over 250 kilometres, across sub-regions, each with distinct soil and climate conditions suited to growing a range of varietals from sun-ripened reds to lively fresh and often crisp whites.
Kootenays
117
Acres Planted
7
Licensed Grape Wineries
Located in the southeastern corner of British Columbia, the Kootenay region is home to pristine rivers, lakes, waterfalls, beaches, mineral hot springs, alpine meadows and snow-capped mountains.
Shuswap
107
Acres Planted
6
Licensed Grape Wineries
Wines have been produced here since 1997, predominately of cool climate varieties, which is understandable as it is one of the most northerly grapegrowing regions in North America.
Thompson Valley
93
Acres Planted
3
Licensed Grape Wineries
Nestled amongst the natural beauty of the North and South Thompson Rivers in and around Kamloops, the rain shadow of the high coastal mountains, the semi-arid conditions and diverse microclimates provide many creative options for our winemakers to shine.
The Similkameen Valley
768
Acres Planted
17
Licensed Grape Wineries
The Similkameen Valley is a pristine stretch of vineyards, set amongst the dramatic backdrop of rugged and awe-inspiring mountains. Considered the “organic capital of Canada”, the area is known for small farms and producers dedicated to creating quality produce, delectable foods, and award-winning wines.
Fraser Valley
194
Acres Planted
28
Licensed Grape Wineries
Encompassing Vancouver, Surrey, Richmond, New Westminster to Delta, Langley, Aldergrove and Abbotsford in the east, the Fraser Valley wine region is dedicated to producing high quality, handcrafted wines with diverse varieties and styles: from unique fruit wines to delicious sparkling wines to fresh, fruit-forward table wines to fortified.
Lillooet
51
Acres Planted
2
Licensed Grape Wineries
One of the oldest towns in the province, Lillooet is located at the southern tip of the Cariboo Chilcotin region of British Columbia. The climate is very similar to the traditional grapegrowing regions in the Okanagan Valley with long, hot, dry summers. However, nights are cooler, making average summer temperatures slightly lower than the Okanagan, but at the same time preserving the fresh crisp acidity in the wines.
Gulf Islands
110
Acres Planted
11
Licensed Grape Wineries
A vibrant community of wine producing islands – Salt Spring, Pender, Saturna, Quadra, Gabriola, Hornby, Denman – offer a glimpse into an easygoing lifestyle that allows time to savour the quiet moments with a fitting variety of unpretentious wines.
Vancouver Island
321
Acres Planted
22
Licensed Grape Wineries
On Vancouver Island, grape winemaking really began after a provincial government-funded trial – the Duncan Project – identified Pinot Gris, Auxerrois and Ortega as promising varieties for this unique seaside environment.
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