Best Local Wines in the Okanagan Valley Region

With over 186 licensed wineries located throughout the diverse Okanagan Valley landscape, there’s no shortage of amazing wines to explore. The unique climate and diverse landscape have allowed vineyards and wineries to reliably produce high-quality wines. From our Salmon Arm winery in the north to Osoyoos wineries in the south, the diverse wines from Okanagan Valley are sure to delight.

Today, we’re going to explore why Okanagan Valley is an ideal location for viticulture and winemaking and highlight the absolute best local wines from this unique region.

Why is Okanagan Valley Good for Wine?

Grapes only grow in a handful of regions due to their unique requirements for reaching maturity and being viable for winemaking. While most people think of warm climates when thinking of vineyards, some grape varieties can grow in cool environments. The Gewürztraminer grape, for example, actually thrives in cool climates.

A grapevine needs the right amount of heat, water, and sun while it’s growing, but the plant must also have an adequate dormant phase. Grapes that are grown in cooler climates do not ripen as quickly as grapes in warm climates, which creates fewer natural sugars and increased acidity. Due to its differences, wines made from cool-climate grapes tend to be described as fresh and elegant with a nuanced flavor profile. 

Now that we know that cool-climate environments are perfectly suitable for viniculture, what about Okanagan Valley specifically? There are several geographical attributes unique to this region that make Okanagan Valley ideal for growing grapes and one of the finest wine regions. Some of these attributes include:

• 
  Being located to the north of the globe results in the right amounts of sun during the growing season
• The relatively long, cool winter with occasional snow plant grapevines to fully recuperate and prepare for the next growing season
• The coastal mountain range redirects many weather systems that may cause too much precipitation for the vines

Since the first winery was founded in Okanagan Valley in the early 1930s, it’s become clear that this region excels at producing high-quality grapes that create exceptional wine.

Wines To Enjoy in Okanagan Valley

Okanagan Valley is a long stretch of vineyards and wineries, with a sub-region containing unique attributes that lead to uniquely delightful wines. Shuswap wineries, for example, specialize in white wines that make use of the grapes that grow well in the region. 

Considering that there are close to 200 wineries throughout the Okanagan Valley, it’s not practical to list every type of wine produced in the region. Instead, it’s time to dive into the wines that are most popular and of the highest quality in the region. 

Pinot Gris

Pinot Gris wines are heavy with fruit flavors, most notable lemon, pear, apple, and lime. Some Pinot Gris wines made in the Okanagan Valley may also have slightly honeyed notes. Pinot Gris is not known for its big, bold, unique flavor. Instead, wine buffs pick this type of wine because of the slight acidity mixed with its weighty mouth-feel. 

The location where the Pinot Gris was made has a direct impact on its flavor profile due to how grapes mature in different regions. Italian Pinot Gris has a unique almond note and is exceptionally dry, while a North American Pinot Gris is heavier with fruit flavors with lower acidity than its European counterparts. Pinot Gris in general is considered a dry wine and is considerably less sweet than other wines due to its high acidity. 

Riesling Wine

Riesling is a cool-climate grape that thrives in the Okanagan Valley. Riesling wine can oftentimes be divisive, people either love it or hate it. Despite being a German grape, it has spread around cool-climate vineyards worldwide. 

The first thing you’ll notice about a riesling is the strong aroma that smells of orchard fruits, such as apricots and pears. Along with the strong fruit aroma, you’ll often pick up jasmine, honeycomb, and even lime peels. 

Riesling is so high in acidity that it’s often compared to lemonade (in acidity, not flavor). Riesling wines can be found in dry and sweet varieties. Great wine to pair with seafood dishes.

Sparkling Rosé

Sparkling Rosé is not a specific type of wine, but an entire group that thrives in the Okanagan Valley. Rosé is similar to red wine, but the fermentation time with grape skins is reduced, creating a light color. Some wine aficionados incorrectly regard rose as an inferior wine category, but there are actually high-quality examples of rosé produced around the world. 

This category ranges from light and citrusy to notably full-bodied. Generally speaking, rosé wines are crispier and brighter than their red wine cousins. Rosé wines typically taste of various berries, flowers, melon, citrus, and even an occasional hint of celery. Due to being an entire category of sparkling wine, rosé wines can be dry (sangiovese or syrah) or sweet (white zinfandel or pink moscato). 

Merlot

It’s hard to pick the most popular wine, but merlot would certainly be in the running for the top spot. Merlot is appreciated by wine buffs worldwide. The grape itself is versatile and can be grown in varied climates, which is partially why it’s so common. 

Merlot is a medium-bodied dry wine with medium acidity and noticeable tannins. The region in which the wines were made will have an impact on its flavor, with Okanagan Valley merlot wines often containing flavor hints of almond and strongly tasting of blackberry and cherry.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its bold and unique flavor profile consisting of black fruits, green peppers, and vanilla. It’s considered a full-body wine, although some variations are medium-body. Cabernet Sauvignon is high in tannins and extremely acidic. Combined with being a notably dry wine, all of these attributes add up to a wine that stands out.

Which Okanagan Wines Will You Explore?

Okanagan Valley is a unique region in British Columbia that seems like it was handcrafted for viticulture and winemaking. Hundreds of vineyards and wineries have sprung up throughout the region, each producing various wines that capitalize on cool-climate grapes. 

Which of the fine wines made in Okanagan Valley speak to you? Do you want to explore the variety of rosé wines, or purchase a merlot that you already know you’ll love? Whichever wine calls your name, you can likely find it in Okanagan Valley. 

Are you planning a trip to the Okanagan Valley? Make sure to visit the number 1 Salmon Arm winery, Larch Hills Winery, so you can purchase some of the best wines the Okanagan Valley has to offer. Or, consider signing up for our wine club for exclusive early access to some award-winning wines.