Know Before You Go

Getting Here

The province’s nine wine regions are spread across Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, and the BC Mainland. Travel by land, air, and water to your favourite wine destination.

By Land

Road tripping is an excellent way to see the sights along the way to your wine destination. British Columbia wine regions are well-connected through the highway system that stretches across the province.

• Check DriveBC for road conditions and updates before heading out on your road trip.
• Shift into winter when driving during the cooler months and ensure your vehicle has winter tires, which are required every year from October 1 to April 30.
• Always remember to drink responsibly by having a designated driver. Or better yet, take a tasting tour and let someone else do the driving for you.

By Air

There are several major international airports and a number of regional airports sprinkled throughout the province, making travel by air seamless and accessible. Fly to the closest airport within your wine region and then rent a car or take a shuttle bus. There are also several floatplane and helicopter companies that provide spectacular scenic travel to wine destinations in BC.

Major international airports:

• Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
• Kelowna International Airport (YLW)
• Victoria International Airport (YYJ)
• Abbotsford International Airport (YXX)
• Canadian Rockies International Airport (YXC)

By Water

For coastal travellers, BC Ferries offers stunning ocean scenery along the journey to Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Take the trip to a whole new level and bring your bike to combine bike-packing with wine tasting.

• Make a ferry reservation ahead of time as travel can be busy, especially during the summer months and bank holidays.

BC Wine By Season

BC wine can be enjoyed any time of year. Each season brings a new flavour of wine and adventure. Find out how to plan your trip in each season.

Summer

As the days grow longer and temperatures soar, summer bursts with energy as the vineyards come alive with live music, farm-to-table dinners, and activities.

• Stay tuned to road conditions, weather reports, and other alerts. While wildfires may occur in parts of BC during the summer, it’s important to remember just how vast our province is—there can be clear blue skies in wine country even while fires are active in remote or northern regions. Always check local conditions before you travel.
• Pack for temperature variations (hot during the day and cooler at night).
• This is the busiest time of year at BC wineries, so book your tastings and accommodation early to avoid disappointment.
• It gets hot during the day, so be sure to drink plenty of water along with your wine. Wear sunscreen and a fashionable hat to beat the summer sunshine.
• Extend your trip to take advantage of hiking and biking, lake adventures, Indigenous cultural tours and more.

Fall

Although the growing season extends well into fall, cooler temperatures and radiant fall colours abound. With the final harvest underway, this is a time for cozy tasting dinners and quiet contemplation as the world slows down.

• Though it may be sunny outside, the temperatures are cool (especially at night), so pack accordingly.
• Most wine regions tend to be quieter during these periods, but always book ahead, as some wineries may have limited hours.
• Look out for only-in-fall experiences to accompany your vineyard visits, such as cultural events, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and more.

Winter

With snow capped mountains in the distance, the coldest months of the year have descended upon BC. But, there is still wine to be sampled.

• Pack for cooler temperatures and bring warm jackets, hats and gloves, and warm shoes for winter.
• Ensure your car is equipped with winter tires if you plan on road tripping.
• Some wineries may be operating at reduced hours or may be closed for the winter, so do your research and book ahead of time.
• Stay a little longer and enjoy winter-specific activities like downhill skiing, snowshoeing, and Nordic skiing.

Spring

As a new season arrives, spring marks budbreak on the vines and the launch of new wine releases. With orchards in bloom and birdsong in the air, BC Wine Month in April is the perfect time to experience wineries throughout the province.

• While the days are heating up, it can still be cool in some parts of BC. Pack layers and plan for cooler nights.
• Although the vines are waking up, some wineries may still have limited hours, so plan ahead.
• Spring is the perfect time to get back outside and experience the trails, forests, and waterways that surround BC wine country.

Top 5 Wine Tasting Tips

1. Book ahead – Many BC wineries have seasonal hours and limited space. Check ahead and reserve your tasting or tour to ensure the best experience—especially during weekends or peak season.
2. Take a tour – Go beyond the tasting room with a guided tour. Many wineries offer behind-the-scenes access to vineyards and cellars, where you’ll learn how BC wines are made—directly from the experts.
3. Meet with the winemakers – Many BC wineries are boutique and family-run—meaning the person pouring your wine might also be the one who made it. Don’t be shy: ask questions, hear their stories, and make a memorable connection.
4. Pair wine tasting with activities – Wine touring in BC often goes beyond the glass. From winemaker dinners to open-air cinema, yoga in the vines to garden parties—there’s often something special happening. Check the winery’s event calendar to make the most of your visit.
5. Know the labels – Look for the BC Vintners Quality Alliance label (BC VQA for short). It guarantees that your wine is made from 100% BC-grown grapes and meets strict quality standards—so you can sip with confidence.

Stay Longer

Come for the wine, stay for the adventure. Each wine region offers more than just the pour. Soar above the vineyards on a helicopter tour, immerse yourself in an Indigenous cultural experience, hit the trails, or connect with the locals. Stay a little longer in wine country and raise a glass to life’s most exhilarating moments.