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.
WHERE IS BC WINE COUNTRY?
There are four wine districts in the BC wine country that are home to nearly 400 wineries. The wine districts include Vancouver Island, Fraser Valley, Similkameen Valley, Shuswap, Kootenay, Lillooet, Thompson Valley, Gulf Islands and the Okanagan Valley. The Okanagan Valley is probably the most well-known BC wine district as 84 percent of British Columbia’s wine production comes from this 150-mile stretch of land.
TOP GRAPE VARIETIES IN BC WINE COUNTRY
The British Columbia wine regions have a diverse macro and microclimates ranging from hot and arid to intercoastal rainforests, which are well suited to all styles of wine from still wine to sparkling wine and fortified and dessert wines.
Of the 80+ grape varietals grown in British Columbia each year, the following list depicts the most popular and most abundantly produced based on the amount of vineyard acreage that is planted. (Source)
White Wine Grapes
- Chardonnay
- Riesling
- Viognier
- Pinot Gris
- Gewürztraminer
RED Wine Grapes
- Cabernet Franc
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
- Syrah
- Pinot Noir
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.
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.
WHERE TO SIP
British Columbia is home to more than 280 wineries. A few favorites…
1. Black Hills Estate Winery
2. Privato Vineyard & Winery
3. Averill Creek Vineyards
If you’re looking for where to sip BC wines or which BC wines are worth sipping, the BC Wine Institute has also helped to narrow it down. Every year, the group asks wine lovers to vote for their favorite British Columbia wineries. Here are some of their top picks.
BEST BC WINERY TOURS
BEST BC TASTING ROOMS
- OKANAGAN VALLEY, SILVER SAGE WINERY
- SIMILKAMEEN VALLEY, CORCELETTES ESTATE WINERY
- FRASER VALLEY, CHABERTON WINERY
- LILLOOET, FORT BERENS ESTATE WINERY
- VANCOUVER ISLAND, AVERILL CREEK VINEYARD
- GULF ISLANDS, SEA STAR ESTATE FARM AND VINEYARDS
- OKANAGAN VALLEY, MISSION HILL FAMILY ESTATE WINERY
- SIMILKAMEEN VALLEY, SEVEN STONES WINERY
- FRASER VALLEY, CHABERTON WINERY
- THOMPSON VALLEY, MONTE CREEK RANCH WINERY
- VANCOUVER ISLAND, UNSWORTH VINEYARDS
- GULF ISLANDS, SEA STAR ESTATE FARM AND VINEYARDS
Planning Your BC Wine Country Vacation
WHERE TO STAY IN BC WINE COUNTRY
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.
Luxury Stays in BC Wine Country
Staying in luxury is never a problem in this beautiful region. The Fairmont global luxury hotel brand has the best hotels in the BC wine country.
The modern Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel in Vancouver and the incredible, historic Fairmont Empress Luxury Hotel built in 1908 in Victoria, both overlook the bay from different points of view. The stately Fairmont Hotel Vancouver was once visited by British Royalty, making it the ultimate luxury stay since 1907. L’Hermitage Hotel offers a spectacular view as does the ultra modern Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel & Spa, which is adjacent to the cruise ship and yacht docks.
Take a ferry to Victoria and stay at the Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa in the heart of wine country. Just a bit farther afield, the Villa Eyrie Resort provides a peaceful landscape just outside of the city.
When in Vancouver…
When in Vancouver consider the Granville Hotel on Granville Island near the World-Famous Granville Public Market. The Ramada Limited Downtown is a great budget business oriented hotel in the heart of the city and close to everything. The Pinnacle Harbor Front Tower has incredible views of the city and the bay.
Off the Beaten Path
Do you prefer the homey feeling you get from a secluded resort, bed & breakfast or with an AirBnB? These options are plentiful all across the southern end of British Columbia.
The gorgeous, Victorian West End Guest House is a historic registered B&B, built in 1906 near Gastown and Stanley Park. Arbutus Cove B&B Guest House, just outside the city offers private, waterfront cottages and rooms. Black Rock Oceanfront Resort & Spa offers in-room fireplaces and access to the beach below.
Camping in BC Wine Country
KOA Kampgrounds British Columbia have camping spaces right in the heart of wine country. Their private cabins are a fantastic choice for family adventure fun and you can bring along your dog! British Columbia is great for camping and has hundreds of car and RV campgrounds and more rustic offerings too. Just a few recommendations include Alice Lake and Golden Ears Provincial Parks or for a more adventurous approach, try Garibaldi Park for a back-woods experience.
WHERE TO EAT IN BRITISH COLUMBIA WINE COUNTRY
BC wine country is home many great restaurants. See our top restaurant recommendations.
GETTING AROUND
Private drivers may seem like a dime a dozen, but not all those dimes are equal. Look for those who are well rated and/or ask your hotel for recommendations. In the meantime, here are a few we have used and recommend.
BEYOND THE VINES
If you’re looking for things to do besides sipping in the BC wineries, we have A LOT OF IDEAS for things to do in British Columbia that go well beyond the vines.
Okanagan Valley is a gorgeous winter wonderland perfect for skiing, winter sports and festivals. There are a number of places to ski, including Baldy Mountain Resort, Silver Star and Apex Mountain. Don’t forget, a glass of robust BC wine makes for an apres-ski.
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.
Sip in More BC Wine Country
Elaine Schoch is an award-winning travel writer, wine judge, American Wine Specialist and certified by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET II). At Carpe Travel she shares wine travel destination guides for ALL WINE LOVERS – from novices to experienced pros – to help them plan their wine adventures, arming them with insider tips, must-visit spots, and things to see and do beyond the vines.