Wine tourism in British Columbia
From the rich reds of the Okanagan Valley to the cool climate whites of the coast, British Columbia’s wine regions have many ways to pamper your palate. Getting around is half the fun: grab a map and explore on your own or join a tour by bus, bike, kayak or even helicopter.
To start? Be sure to sample Canada’s iconic Icewine in the Okanagan — BC’s biggest and best-known wine region, situated a short flight or four-hour drive from Vancouver. A richly flavoured dessert wine, this tipple is made from grapes that have been left to freeze on the vines. An ideal spot to sip? Head to Summerhill Pyramid Winery, where the organic wines are aged in a replica pyramid.
Several Okanagan companies offer half and full-day wine tours, some with sommeliers as guides; try Uncorked Okanagan, Distinctly Kelowna Tours or Wine Your Way Tours. You can even pedal through the vineyards on a winery cycle tour with Monashee Adventures or visit wineries from the air on a wine tour with Valhalla Helicopters.
Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, known as the Wine Islands, produce tasty Pinots and Chardonnays; traditional cider makers, an artisanal distiller and a balsamic vinegar producer round out a tasting tour. For guided exploration sure to please the palate, join a gourmet kayaking trip with Edible Canada.
In BC’s Fraser Valley, sign on for more tasting adventure with Swallow Tail Tours. This rich agricultural area, just east of Vancouver, is known for its cool weather whites and intriguing fruit wines like cranberry, blackberry and rhubarb.
The British Columbia Wine Institute has details about wineries throughout the province at www.winebc.com. Or visit www.britishcolumbia.travel
— Sue Kernaghan
ETTR130228
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