Discover
Summerland Lakefront WIne Country
Summerland Lakefront Wine region
Lakeside pours and farm-fresh cuisine shaped by storied terroir and a deep sense of place.
Hugging the western shores of Okanagan Lake, the Summerland Lakefront sub-region is defined by its distinct lakeside terroir. Directly across the lake from the famed Naramata Bench, this lush sub-region is home to small-batch, often family-run wineries. Explore them along the self-guided Bottleneck Drive, a touring route through Summerland with wineries, cideries and culinary stops to discover.
Whether you’re indulging in a wine festival, sampling seasonal cuisine, or taking an art walk, there is something on offer for foodies, nature-lovers, and culture buffs alike. Beyond sipping lakeside, get on or in the water, whether paddleboarding, boating, or enjoying a beach picnic. Linger longer in nearby Penticton, where the Okanagan experience continues with strolls and two-wheeled rolls along the scenic Kettle Valley Rail Trail. You can also get a taste of the real Kettle Valley Railway and hop on the historic Kettle Valley Railway locomotive for a thrilling ride over trestles and rail-era storytelling.
Cooled by the Lake
As the Summerland Lakefront sub-region is closest to Okanagan Lake, it’s no surprise the vast body of water plays a pivotal role in moderating temperatures. While summers in the Okanagan Valley are typically hot, steady lake breezes and lakeside slopes help cool the area at night. Winters can be cold, but overall remain mild, with long frost-free periods and reduced precipitation thanks to the rain shadow effect from nearby and coastal mountain ranges.
Soils from a Glacial Past
Soils in Summerland Lakefront are forged by its ancient glacial history and influenced by the Trout Creek delta. The composition includes sandy and silty loams, along with lakebed deposits—well-draining soils that support deep root systems. Thanks to these layered landscapes, this mosaic of lakeside soils yields fruit with notable minerality and complexity.
OKANAGAN VALLEY
WINERIES
Exploring British Columbia’s vineyards reveals the unique terroir & diverse varietals flourishing in this picturesque Canadian province.
South Okanagan Valley
Central Okanagan Valley
South Okanagan Valley
South Okanagan Valley
South Okanagan Valley
South Okanagan Valley
Central Okanagan Valley
North 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.
Newsletter
Subscribe to the Vine
Get the details on BC wine events, contests, recipes, and promotions delivered right to your inbox.