
Lake Country Wine region
The Lake Country sub-GI, the Okanagan Valley’s most northern sub-region, encompasses an area of around 6178 acres of the west facing slopes and benches above Okanagan Lake. There are approximately 247 acres of vineyards planted in the sub-GI.
Key elements of the region are the northerly latitude and cool climate, paired with west facing sloped vineyard sites which capture the late afternoon sunshine and warmth. The sub-regions proximity to the lake moderates temperatures and the gentle slopes provide good air drainage helping to create a long growing season. These elements are favourable to the production of light-bodied reds, crisp, refreshing whites, and delightful sparkling wines.
FACT: Average 1245 (higher elevation sites) to 1445 (lake side sites) growing degree days.
FACT: The soils in the region are a mixture of glaciolacustrine (lake bottom) in the lower areas below 425 metres and coarser gravelly or sandy glacial till at higher elevations. The sub-GI boundary goes up to 600-650 metres in elevation. Some areas of Lake Country, uniquely, have pre-glacial soils that pre-date the last glaciation that dominates soil formation throughout the Okanagan Valley.
- PINOT NOIR
- PINOT GRIS
- RIESLING
- CHARDONNAY

Some areas have pre-glacial soils that pre-date the last glaciation, referred to as “ancient soils”.
Fun Fact
LAKE COUNTRY
WINERIES
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MORE BC WINE REGIONS

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Fraser Valley
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Lillooet
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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
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Vancouver Island
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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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