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COWICHAN VALLEY WINE COUNTRY
Cowichan valley Wine region
On July 10, 2020, the Cowichan Valley was officially recognized as the first sub-geographical indication outside of the Okanagan, and joins wineries in Naramata Bench, Skaha Bench, Okanagan Falls and Golden Mile Bench in the Okanagan Valley geographical indication as wineries that meet the requirements of the Wines of Marked Quality Regulation. There are nine official geographical indications in the province and now five sub-geographical indications (sub-GIs), or sub-appellations, in British Columbia.
The Cowichan Valley sub-GI is roughly defined as the area between the Cowichan watershed, the eastern coastline from Mill Bay to Maple Bay and the western area of Cowichan Lake. The vineyards of the Cowichan Valley boast ideal conditions for popular grape varieties that include Ortega, Bacchus, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Marechal Foch and Pinot Noir.
FACT: Average 900 to 1,200 growing degree days (1,103 in North Cowichan).
FACT: Wineries in the Cowichan Valley are generally shielded from Pacific Ocean storms by nearby mountains and have a long growing season with low frost risk.
This Exotic Terrane is geologically distinct from the rest of the North America.
Fun Fact
Cowichan Valley
WINERIES
Exploring British Columbia’s vineyards reveals the unique terroir & diverse varietals flourishing in this picturesque Canadian province.
Cowichan Valley
Cowichan Valley
Summerland
Langley / Aldergrove
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MORE BC WINE REGIONS
The Okanagan Valley
10,920
Acres Planted
222
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
5
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
9
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
4
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
22
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
42
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
12
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
23
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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