Okanagan Valley Wine Region

Canada's second-largest wine-growing area is located in the Okanagan Valley. With a thriving wine industry, the Okanagan has significantly developed over the past few years and is responsible for a significant part of B.C.'s total wine production. British Columbia is one of six provinces in Canada and has a lot of unique places for you to explore. The "pocket desert" of this wine-growing region produces some unique wines, such as Chardonnay and Merlot.

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Where is Okanagan valley?

Okanagan valley, also known as Okanagan Country, is a subregion of the Canadian Province of British Columbia. The region is centered around the basin of Okanagan Lake and the river. The wine region is extended from the Spallumcheen Valley to Sicamous in the Shuswap Country and stretches to the south of the Canada-United states border. Kelowna, Penticton, Summerland, Vernon, and West Kelowna are some major cities of the Okanagan Valley.

History of Okanagan Valley

Wine production in the Okanagan dates to the 1850s, with the establishment of the Okanagan Mission and the planting of grapevines by Fr. Joseph Briere. For many years, Canada had a drinking culture focused on beer. However, this changed in one large step following the end of World War I when the government created Prohibition. This lasted from 1919 to 1921. To survive in the Prohibition era, many people were found distilling alcohol on their property and illegally smuggling it. Some may have even gone underground to create their underground operations to make and sell illegal liquor.

From the 1920s to the mid-1970s, the Okanagan wine industry was based exclusively on fruit and hybrid wines. As the Okanagan wine industry has developed, it has also focused on providing a range of dining experiences for its consumers. Matching wine and food is an important part of wine culture here in the Okanagan Valley.

Okanagan Vineyards was one of the first vineyards to be planted in the Okanagan Valley by Father Charles Pandosy in 1859. It has been a contributor to the history of viticulture in this region and is solely set up for sacramental wine production. Several small vineyards were planted successfully with grapes until prohibition in the U.S. in the 1920s, which encouraged them to be uprooted and replanted with other crops such as tomatoes, greenhouses, and corn.

Terroir and Climate of Okanagan Valley

In the Okanagan, you'll find plenty of lakes that provide a constant source of water and an ideal climate. The weather is quite mild with frequent rain and lots of sunshine throughout the entire year. The Cascade and Coast Mountains create a rain shadow effect that is shared by adjoining areas of Eastern Washington. The Okanagan has less than 250 millimeters of precipitation in the southern tip and more than 400 millimeters (16 inches) in the northern part. Most vineyards around here require irrigation from nearby water sources. The Okanagan with its mild climate can sustain cold, but short-lived winters. Recognizing how vulnerable grapes are to cold weather, vineyards try to protect their precious crop with climate control methods. Grapes need proper temperatures during harvest time to have a good flavor.

Grape Varieties of Okanagan Valley

There are plenty of different types of wine, including still, sparkling, and dessert wines. Ice wines tend to be bottle-aged, extremely sweet, and packed with flavor. There are more than 60 grape varieties grown in the Okanagan. You can try out different types at Wine-Map of Canada and see what you like. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot noir, Pinot gris, Chardonnay, auxerrois blanc, mehral Foch and Cabernet Franc. Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Bacchus, Optima, Ehrenfelser, and Kerner are some of the most popular German varieties around Okanagan. Canada has a limited number of different grape varieties that have traditionally been the focus of local wine production. However, new research is changing the way growers are approaching the industry, and many new varieties are being planted that can better cope with cold climate conditions. Some of the top grapes planted recently include Sangiovese, Syrah, Trebbiano, Pinotage, and Zinfandel.

Food to pair with Okanagan Valley Wines

Chicken Salad

Chicken salad is a classic dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of different ways. It can be served as an entree, side dish, or even as part of a sandwich. It's versatile and easy to make, making it a go-to meal for busy families and individuals alike. Whether you're looking for something light and healthy or something more indulgent, chicken salad is an excellent option that will satisfy your cravings. With the right combination of ingredients, you can create a delicious dish that everyone will love!

Chicken Larb

Chicken larb is a traditional dish from Laos that has become popular around the world. It is a spicy, flavorful and fragrant dish made with minced chicken, herbs, spices and lime juice. The combination of flavors creates a unique taste that is sure to tantalize the taste buds. Chicken larb is an easy-to-make dish that can be served as an appetizer or main course. It can also be served as part of a larger meal or on its own as a light snack. With its bold flavors and fresh ingredients, chicken larb is sure to be enjoyed by everyone!

Baked Chicken Parmesan

Baked Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish that is sure to please everyone at the dinner table. This delicious dish is made with juicy chicken breasts, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. The chicken is first lightly breaded and then baked in the oven until golden brown. The result is a flavorful and hearty meal that your family will love. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something special for Sunday night supper, Baked Chicken Parmesan is sure to hit the spot!

Places to Visit in Okanagan Valley

Kalamalka Lake

Kalamalka lake, also known as Kal Lake among locals, is a large water area located in the interior plateau of South central British Columbia, Canada just east of Okanagan Lake. The lake is the main drinking water reservoir just 4km south of Vernon city. Several pristine beaches are along the coast of this amazing lake including Cosens Bay Beach, Jade Bay Beach, Juniper Bay Beach, Kekuli Bay Beach, and Kirkland Park Beach. There are several resorts around the lake that offer a lot of amenities to serve the visitors. You can enjoy fishing, boating, water skiing, hiking, biking, running, and many others.

Monashee Mountains

Stretched along the 530km from north to south and 150km from east to west, the Monashee mountains is a part of larger Columbia Mountains. The highest peak of this mighty range is Mount Monashee at 3274m above sea level. The mountain range is surrounded by the Columbia river and Arrow lake from the east.

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Frequently asked questions about Okanagan Valley