Discover
Skaha Bench WIne Country
Skaha Bench Wine region
From terraced vineyards to towering rock faces, this is wine country with an adventurous edge.
A small but mighty wine-growing area, the Skaha Bench is a 10-kilometre stretch of wineries nestled along the eastern shores of Skaha Lake. Perched on terraced benchlands above orchards and farmland, these wineries offer sweeping views that turn every sip into a scenic moment.
Beyond the tasting room, the dramatic gneiss cliffs skirting the lake draw rock climbers from around the world. Recognized as one of Canada’s top beaches, Skaha Lake invites you to paddle, swim, or simply soak up the sun. Just down the road, Penticton delivers a full roster of experiences—from flavour trails and bustling markets to river floats and winter skiing at Apex Mountain Resort.
Temperature Shifts
The arid climate of Skaha Bench is marked by mild winters and hot summers with long days of sunlight—especially on the west-facing slope. At night, cooling breezes drift off Skaha Lake, moderating the evening heat that radiates from the dense bedrock. Skaha is also shielded from Pacific storms by the Cascade Mountains, resulting in low annual precipitation.
Glacial Origins
The soils of Skaha Bench tell the tale of glacial retreat and ancient waterways. Pockets of glacial till, mixed with gravelly sands and silts, create a patchwork of well-drained terrain that contributes to the depth and complexity of the fruit. This varied mosaic is a gift to winemakers, offering the opportunity to express subtle nuances in every bottle.
OKANAGAN VALLEY
WINERIES
Exploring British Columbia’s vineyards reveals the unique terroir & diverse varietals flourishing in this picturesque Canadian province.
Central Okanagan Valley
Central Okanagan Valley
Central Okanagan Valley
Central Okanagan Valley
South Okanagan Valley
Central Okanagan Valley
Central Okanagan Valley
Central Okanagan Valley
South Okanagan Valley
EXPLORE
MORE BC WINE REGIONS
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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