DISCOVER BRITISH COLUMBIA

Wine Country

A Guide to Drinking, Eating and Doing BC Wine Country

It’s a misconception that Canada sits too far north to produce wine. In fact, the country has two prime wine regions –  British Columbia on the western end of the country and 2,000 miles east in Ontario. Both are considered two the newest wine regions in the New World.

British Columbia is one of the most interesting, fastest-growing, emerging wine-growing markets in the world right now. Changes to climate, weather patterns, and the jet-stream, have opened up new agricultural possibilities for the BC wine region to produce delicious wines. Just a handful of wineries operated a few decades ago but now, British Columbia is home more than 280 wineries and nearly a thousand vineyards growing dozens of grape varietals.

TERROIR

Much of this is due to its location alongside the Pacific Coast on the western end of Canada. Given the warm air current coming from the Pacific, the region can be quite warm.

The British Columbia wine country is pushing the boundaries of what was once possible. Nestled between the 49th and 50th parallel north, the northern limit for wine production.

Few other emerging wine regions along this parallel are thriving the way British Columbia is. Some super star 50th parallel regions are the Mosel & Rhine River Valley, Germany, Champagne, France, and the Kent sparkling wine region in England. Each of these regions are known for their cool climate and sparkling wines. While British Columbia certainly produces these luscious styles, winemakers here are able to vinify fruit-forward reds, whites, and rosés show-stoppers with ease.

BC Wine Country

TOP GRAPE VARIETIES IN BC WINE COUNTRY

White Wine Grape

  • Chardonnay
  • Riesling
  • Viognier
  • Pinot Gris
  • Gewürztraminer

Red Wine Grape

  • Cabernet Franc
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Merlot
  • Syrah
  • Pinot Noir

WHERE TO SIP

British Columbia is home to more than 280 wineries. A few favorites…

Black Hills
Estate Winery

Privato Vineyard
Winery

Averill Creek
Vineyards

Understanding how to cracking the code on Canadian Wine Labels

Save this map to your Google maps when you’re visiting BC wine country to help you with your own routes.

British Columbia Wineries

Plan Your BC Wine Vacation

No matter your style, perfect accommodations can be found all over British Columbia. Carpe Travel has paired the best of where to stay in BC wine country here.

Where to stay in BC wine country

OUR FAVORITES PLACES TO STAY

  • Black Rock Oceanfront Resort & Spa
  • Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa

WHERE TO EAT

BC wine country is home many great restaurants. See our top restaurant recommendations.

Vancouver and Okanagan Valley

 WHERE TO STAY WHEN VISITING BC WINE COUNTRY

BEYOND THE VINES

Granville Island Public Farmers Market is just a short ferry ride from downtown Vancouver and well worth the visit. Transformed from a logging industry center; it is a popular shopping, dining, and entertainment district.

Gastown is Vancouver’s oldest and hippest dining destination. Check it out and then check it out again. The dining options are endlessly delish.

Things to do in Vancouver and Victoria – Things to do in Okanagan Valley

Sip in More BC Wine Country