Discover
OKanagan Falls WIne Country
Okanagan Falls Wine region
A south Okanagan gem, where desert land meets lush vineyards and adventure is never far.
Perched between Skaha Laka and Vaseux Lake at the edge of the Columbia Basin, Okanagan Falls is at the intersection of wine, local culinary delights, and natural beauty. While the sub-region kisses Canada’s only temperate desert, its climate is surprisingly comfortable and consistent year-round.
Known as the “Heart of Wine Country,” Okanagan Falls is home to boutique wineries offering sun-drenched patios, lush gardens, and tasting rooms with breathtaking views. In fact, wineries here are among the Okanagan Valley’s most photographed vineyard views. From bluffs to beaches to lakes, outdoor adventure is always close at hand. Take in the region’s outdoor activities and rich heritage, whether you’re cycling the 13-kilometre stretch of the Kettle Valley Railway to Penticton or exploring the local museum’s storied past.
Natural Airflow
The patchwork of benchlands, valley floors, and steep vineyard slopes influences the microclimate of Okanagan Falls. Surrounding lakes and McIntyre Bluff draw cooling air from the valley floor to higher elevations. Warm summer days are balanced by cool nights, allowing for steady ripening and excellent acidity retention in the fruit. While winters across the Okanagan Valley can be cold, Okanagan Falls enjoys a higher number of frost-free days, lengthening the growing season.
Glaciers and Kettles
Situated in a semi-arid steppe, Okanagan Falls lies on the edge of a desert belt that stretches south into the United States. Over millennia, glaciers carved this dramatic landscape, leaving behind glaciofluvial deposits and shaping the undulating “kettled terrain” for which the region is known. The soils here are diverse—gravelly loams, silts, sands, and even clay—offering excellent drainage and structure. Stony, mineral-rich pockets lend depth, texture, and complexity to the winds.
WINERIES
Exploring British Columbia’s vineyards reveals the unique terroir & diverse varietals flourishing in this picturesque Canadian province.
Central Okanagan Valley
North Okanagan Valley
South Okanagan Valley
Central Okanagan Valley
South Okanagan Valley
Central Okanagan Valley
Central Okanagan Valley
North Okanagan Valley
Central 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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