What is BC VQA?

BC VQA (Vintners Quality Alliance) is the appellation of origin and quality standard for British Columbia wine, established in 1990.

BC VQA certified wines must meet standards with respect to their origin, vintage and varietals. These wines are assessed by a qualified panel and must meet the criteria for quality characteristics before they can be designated as BC VQA. To put it simply, when you see BC VQA on a bottle, it is your guarantee that you’re sipping a wine that is 100% grown and made in British Columbia.

For more information about BC VQA regulations, view the Wines of Marked Quality Regulation. The Regulation is governed by the BC Wine Authority.

HOW TO READ A BC VQA WINE LABEL

Name of Winery
Vintage
Name of Wine or Varietal
Assurance of quality and where grapes are grown

Wine Regions of British Columbia_Topo Map

BC VQA BY THE NUMBERS

100% British Columbia grapes
9 Geographical Indications (GI)
12 Sub-Geographical Indications (Lake Country, East Kelowna Slopes, South Kelowna Slopes, Summerland Bench, Summerland Lakefront, Summerland Valleys, Golden Mile Bench, Golden Mile Slopes, Okanagan Falls, Skaha Bench, Naramata Bench and Cowichan Valley)
95% of grapes must come from specific region mentioned on the label
85% of grapes must come from the vintage stated on the label
85% of grapes must be the stated varietal

Wine Responsibly

The Right Amount Matters

Members of the WGBC are proud of their wines and are committed to ensuring their wines are promoted and enjoyed responsibly by those adults who choose to consume them for the continued enjoyment and prosperity of the BC wine industry.

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