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South Kelowna Slopes WIne Country

South Kelowna Slopes Wine region

Sip elegant reds and zesty whites produced on the fertile slopes above Okanagan Lake.

Climbing the benchlands of Okanagan Lake, South Kelowna wineries produce pours as breezy and expressive as the lake winds themselves. Building upon the rich grape-growing heritage in this area, vintners have perfected the artful balance of harnessing the natural elements and adding innovation and heart to time-worn traditions.

Located in Kelowna’s scenic South Mission, this sub-region is part of a year-round playground where rural charm meets refined taste. Farm stalls are as plentiful as the wineries, and events fill the calendar throughout the year. Indulge in locally inspired cuisine, hike or bike through surrounding forests and lakefront trails, and experience the living culture of the Syilx Okanagan Peoples. Don’t miss the iconic Myra Canyon Trestles—a day trip cycling adventure along the historic Kettle Valley Railway, with shuttle service available for a full loop experience.



  • Despite its Northern position in the Okanagan Valley, South Kelowna enjoys an extended growing season. Low rainfall and abundant sunshine create favourable conditions for sustainable viticulture and the production of pure, fruit-forward wines that thrive in cooler climates. The microclimate nurtures reds like Pinot Noir and Gamay Noir, known for their subtle spice character. Whites like Pinot Gris and Riesling also find a home among the vines, offering crisp acidity, zesty citrus, and a hint of minerality.

  • PINOT NOIR
  • RIESLING
  • CHARDONNAY
  • PINOT GRIS
  • GAMAY NOIR
  • GEWÜRZTRAMINER

Hot Summers, Cooling Winds

While the climate is generally mild, South Kelowna experiences hot, dry summers and an extended growing season. Daytime temperatures often climb above 30C, but cooling breezes from Okanagan Lake provide essential nighttime relief. Most vineyards in the South Kelowna area are planted between 500 and 620 metres in elevation, where west- and northwest-facing slopes benefit from long hours of sunlight and cooler conditions that promote steady, consistent ripening.


Shaped by Glaciers and Lakes

South Kelowna’s soils are shaped by ancient glaciers and lakes, leaving behind well-draining layers of sandy loam over gravel subsoils. These conditions encourage deep vine roots, helping produce fruit with complexity, concentration, and a true expression of place.

OKANAGAN VALLEY

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Exploring British Columbia’s vineyards reveals the unique terroir & diverse varietals flourishing in this picturesque Canadian province.

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A group of wine lovers sample fruit forward wines while enjoying a catered lunch next to gently sloping vineyards at an airy tasting room in an Okanagan Valley, British Columbia vineyard restaurant.

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.

A vineyard with flat rows of grapes during growing season in the Kootenay region, home to backyard vineyards, family owned estate vineyards, and some award winning bc wineries.

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 vineyard in Recline Ridge with pinot noir in BC’s wine country

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.

The sun setting over a Thompson Valley vineyard with rugged mountains extending into the horizon.

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.

A couple riding bicycles under an aqueduct through a vineyard in the Southern Okanagan, BC, Canada.

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.

A photo of grapes growing at Banner Fraser Valley winery with an estate home in the midground.

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.

View of vines, ocean, and mountains at Saturna Island Vineyard, Gulf Islands, BC

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.

A home with sloping mountains in the background on a Cowichan Valley winery on Vancouver Island, BC.

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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