The Okanagan Valley
  "Canada's Desert Wine Region"

 

At the center of Canada’s flourishing wine industry is the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia - having the distinguished honour of being referred to as the “Tuscany of Canada” by travel writers. As part of North America’s Pacific North West, the Okanagan Valley is the only arid geographic region in Canada and forms the northern most tip of the Sonoran Desert, yet the beauty of old world wine regions shines brightly here.

The geography of this interior landscape, with its deep valley running north to south between the Coastal and Rocky Mountain chains, creates an “interior dry belt” - a true desert - tumble weeds and all! The long Okanagan Lake meanders south toward Osoyoos Lake, Canada’s warmest, and offers a lifeline for viticulture here. The dry sandy soils of this desert region are transformed into a lush oasis of vineyards and orchards on both sides of the valley floor, thanks to the magic of irrigation.

The Okanagan Valley is one of five geographic wine regions in BC, and it is here that her cup runneth over with many superb wines. Experiencing this wine region at harvest time can make you feel like you’ve entered the Garden of Eden.

There are many exciting award-winning wines here worthy of tasting. Merlot, Chardonnay and Pinots are popular throughout the valley, with Cabernets and Bordeaux blends offered in the dry warm desert to the south. Meritage, Sparklings and Icewines are also making their stamp on the vignerons tapestry.

I highly recommend that you seek out a superb Bordeaux blend called Osoyoos Larose. It can hold its own with any Claret coming out of Europe. This exquisite red wine is as smooth as silk and has a lasting finish that lingers in the mouth like a first kiss! It is undoubtedly one of this region’s best.

Within this region lay Oliver - “Wine Capital of Canada” - a must for any Canadian wine tour. Review our wine tour details & you’ll see why this is the tour for you, wine lover!

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