Wine Grape Varieties That Grow in Northern BC
One of British Columbia’s most prominent contributions to Canadian culture is its wealth of award-winning wines.
Thanks to the region’s ideal climate, with an average summer temperature of 21 °C and maximum temperatures of up to 40 °C, the Okanagan Valley has quickly become an ideal place for winemaking — one where many grape varieties actively thrive.
Did you know that there are dozens upon dozens of different types of grapes in BC that are used to make a number of varietal wines? Here are only a few of them.
Agria
Also known as the Turan grape, this dark wine grape commonly found in cooler climates is well known for its color and sugar content. Agria grapes can be found throughout the Pacific Northwest especially.
Blattner
Here’s a rather uncommon grape that’s fortunately found a home in the coastal areas of British Columbia. It produces a lovely white wine with notes of apple and honey, though red variations are also available.
Blattner was originally developed by and named after a Swiss winemaker. Today, it’s popular for its fast ripening process and resistance to diseases. Shuswap winery in BC has been experimenting with it recently.
Marechal Foch
This red grape variety has an interesting history. It was actually named after a Frenchman named Ferdinand Foch, who’s well-known for contributing to the armistice at the end of World War I.
The grape itself is fungal disease resistant and does well in a colder climate, but its small size makes it susceptible to birds. Either way, Marechal Foch grows in the North Okanagan and is known throughout British Columbia for rich blends of dark color and full flavor.
Merlot
Probably one of the most well-known red wines to come out of BC, Merlot grapes are a dark blue and produce wines with hints of plum and berry.
If you’ve ever blended wines before, chances are you’ve run into Merlot wine at least once. Fun fact: the name likely came from an early French word for “young blackbird.”
Ortega
Many wine producers in the north Okanagan Valley region in British Columbia say this region has the perfect climatic suitability for grape growth — so it's no wonder the Ortega grape thrives here.
Ortega wine is a sweet white wine often used in blending. Taste-wise, it has an aroma of peach.
Originally coming from Germany and Canada, Ortega ripens early and is resistant to cold temperatures and frost.
Siegerrebe
Siegerrebe was first discovered by German viticulturist Dr. Georg Scheu, and is best described as a cross between madeleine angevine and gewürztraminer grapes. Translated, its name means “victory vine.”
Found in England, Washington state, and British Columbia, these grapes often produce white and dessert wines. Learn more about the history and food pairings of Siegerrebe wine.
Get First-Hand Experience with BC Wine at Larch Hills Winery
Looking for the best BC wines? Look no further than Larch Hills Winery.
Larch Hills is a family-run vineyard and winery located in Salmon Arm. Our wines are proudly made from British Columbia grapes. If you’re interested in more grape varieties like these, join our Wine Club, check our online wine store, or contact us today.
