Discover

Okanagan Valley Wine Country

Plan Your trip

Okanagan Valley Wine region

Sun-kissed vineyards and sparkling lakes abound in BC’s largest grape-growing region.

With sagebrush-scattered foothills, lakeside resorts, rolling benchlands, and arid desert, the Okanagan Valley is British Columbia’s largest hub for wine-inspired adventures. This lush, lake-dotted region stretches north-south over 250 kilometres, accounting for 86% of BC’s vineyard acreage. Okanagan Valley vineyards shine on the world stage with more than 200 wineries—from charming boutique vineyards to expansive estates—including the first Indigenous-owned winery in North America.

Pair crisp whites and bold reds with the farm-to-table bounty in this culinary paradise, where local restaurants and foodie tours offer flavours as vibrant as the landscape. Embrace the abundance of outdoor activities in the surrounding lakes and mountains, from skiing and biking to hiking, golfing and watersports.

  • From full-bodied reds and vibrant whites to silky Icewine, the Okanagan Valley’s remarkable range of 80 grape varieties reflects the wine region’s diverse landscapes and unique growing conditions.

    In the cooler northern reaches of the valley, aromatic whites like Gewürztraminer and Riesling thrive, alongside Burgundian favourites such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Central Okanagan Valley vineyards offer ideal conditions for Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Merlot, and Pinot Noir, producing well-balanced wines. Further south, desert-like conditions and long, hot summers ripen bold reds like Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon, known for their depth and intensity.
  • MERLOT
  • PINOT GRIS
  • PINOT NOIR
  • CHARDONNAY
  • CABERNET SAUVIGNON
  • GEWÜRZTRAMINER
  • CABERNET FRANC
  • SYRAH
  • RIESLING
  • GAMAY NOIR
  • SAUVIGNON BLANC

Hot Days, Cool Nights

Shaped by a diverse geography of lakes, deserts, rock cliffs, and river valleys, the Okanagan Valley offers a rich mosaic of soils and microclimates. With a warm continental climate and up to 2,000 hours of annual sunshine, the valley’s hot, dry summers are tempered by cool nights and lakeshore breezes. Daytime temperatures can soar to 40°C, but nighttime drops soften the extremes, allowing grapes to ripen with concentrated flavours and the vibrant natural acidity that defines BC wines.

Diverse Soil Composition

With ancient glaciers, forged by volcanic activity, and sculpted by rivers, the Okanagan Valley offers a rich tapestry of sand, gravel, clay, and silt for grape-growing. These mineral-rich soils instill resilience in the vines, producing complex and layered wines that capture the spirit of the land in a glass. At the south end near Osoyoos, the valley edges into a network of deserts that leapfrog from Canada to Mexico, creating ideal conditions for intense wines with notes of fruit.

286

Wineries

80+

varietals

4,419

ACRES PLANTED

Explore the

Sub-regions

Cooling breezes from Okanagan Lake and gentle sloping vineyards shape the North Okanagan Valley’s bright, aromatic whites and signature reds. Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and sparkling wines thrive here, offering vibrant acidity and subtle layers of fruit and florals.

Lake Country
Lake Country is anchored as the northernmost sub-region in the Okanagan Valley. Vineyards on the west-facing slopes near Vernon enjoy a longer growing season and ancient soils that yield light-bodied reds, refreshing whites, and lively sparkling wines.

East Kelowna Slopes
Higher elevations and excellent air drainage shape East Kelowna’s refined Pinot Noirs and vibrant Chardonnays, each marked by delicate fruit expression. This area is home to the oldest operating vineyards in the Okanagan Valley.

South Kelowna Slopes
Set above Okanagan Lake in the South Mission area, gentle slopes and cool night temperatures extend the growing season, nurturing nuanced reds and delicate whites.

Temperate climates moderated by the vast Okanagan Lake and glaciated slopes with varied soils create a dynamic landscape for developing complex and layered wines.

Summerland Valleys
Home to some of the highest elevation vineyards in the Okanagan Valley, Summerland’s glaciated, mineral-infused soil produces expressive Merlot and aromatic whites.

Summerland Bench
Perched at mid-elevation east and south of Giant’s Head Mountain, vineyards create structured Pinot Noir and elegant Chardonnay.

Summerland Lakefront
Sun-drenched vineyards on the westerly shores of Okanagan Lake mirror Naramata Bench on the opposite side. They benefit from cooling winds, creating refreshing whites like Sauvignon Blanc that are as breezy as the lake itself.

Naramata Bench
On the quieter side of Okanagan Lake, a multitude of west-facing vineyards bask in a moderately warm growing season, influencing multi-faceted Merlots, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay.

Skaha Bench
Tucked on the sunny eastern flanks of Skaha Lake near Penticton, the bedrock soil retains its heat, yielding earthy reds and mineral-rich whites.

Okanagan Falls
Nestled between Oliver and Penticton, the glacier-carved landscapes, cooling winds, and complex terroir of Okanagan Falls inspire premium Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris with a hint of aromatics.

Home to desert landscapes and a hot, dry climate, the south Okanagan Valley offers ideal conditions for bold, fruit-forward reds and characterful white wines.

Golden Mile Bench
Golden Mile bench lies south of Oliver on the west side of Okanagan Valley, where morning sunlight and cool winds produce plush Merlot and elegant Gewürztraminer, among other varietals.

Golden Mile Slopes
Overlooking the Okanagan River and sheltered in the afternoon shade of Mount Kobau, the stony slopes capture cool nighttime breezes, preserving acidity and freshness needed for varieties like Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Gris.

Okanagan Valley

Wineries

Exploring British Columbia’s vineyards reveals the unique terroir & diverse varietals flourishing in this picturesque Canadian province.

Learn More

Beyond Tastings: Regional Activities

Adventure is always close in the Okanagan Valley, no matter where you choose to sip and savour. As BC’s oldest grape-growing region, it is a haven for culture, cuisine, and outdoor play. Tee off at a world-renowned golf course, plunge or paddle in a sparkling lake, connect with Indigenous cultural experiences, or unwind at a soothing spa. The Okanagan is also the perfect destination for those who love to wheel or wander along scenic trails. It is home to the Trails Capital of BC and the Kettle Valley Railway, a former train route that brings history into motion by connecting communities and wineries throughout the valley.

Play Outside

  • Downhill skiing & snowboarding
  • Nordic skiing
  • Snowshoeing
  • Snowmobiling
  • Winter fat biking
  • Hiking
  • Trail running
  • Mountain biking
  • Cycling
  • Lakes
  • Rock climbing
  • Watersports
  • Golfing
  • Rail trails
  • Salmon spawn viewing

Adventure Together

  • Zipline
  • Science centre
  • Mini-golf
  • Live music
  • Heritage attractions
  • Museums & galleries
  • Festivals & events

unwind

  • Shopping
  • Spa & wellness
  • Markets
  • Orchards
  • Farms
  • Wineries, cideries, breweries & distilleries
  • Dining
  • Indigenous tour experiences

EXPLORE

MORE BC WINE REGIONS

A group of wine lovers sample fruit forward wines while enjoying a catered lunch next to gently sloping vineyards at an airy tasting room in an Okanagan Valley, British Columbia vineyard restaurant.

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.

A vineyard with flat rows of grapes during growing season in the Kootenay region, home to backyard vineyards, family owned estate vineyards, and some award winning bc wineries.

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 vineyard in Recline Ridge with pinot noir in BC’s wine country

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.

The sun setting over a Thompson Valley vineyard with rugged mountains extending into the horizon.

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.

A couple riding bicycles under an aqueduct through a vineyard in the Southern Okanagan, BC, Canada.

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.

A photo of grapes growing at Banner Fraser Valley winery with an estate home in the midground.

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.

View of vines, ocean, and mountains at Saturna Island Vineyard, Gulf Islands, BC

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.

A home with sloping mountains in the background on a Cowichan Valley winery on Vancouver Island, BC.

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.

Newsletter

Subscribe to the Vine

Get the details on BC wine events, contests, recipes, and promotions delivered right to your inbox.