OKANAGAN TERROIR
The Okanagan Valley is a wine region located in British Columbia, Canada. It is known for its diverse terroirs and growing conditions. With so many soil types, lakes and sun aspects it is best to think about the Okanagan Valley as a true “craft wine region” that produces a variety of world class wines.
There are many lakes scattered throughout the bottom of the valley that play an important role in the growing conditions of the vineyards. These lakes reflect light over the vineyards during the day and create a cooling effect at night. This helps to add acidity and build flavor in the grapes, making the wines from the Okanagan Valley unique and complex.
Lake Country
Located in the northern part of the valley, and is known for its sandy soils and moderate temperatures. This area is best known for producing Pinot Gris Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Riesling wines.
Kelowna
Located in the central part of the valley and has a mix of soils, including clay and gravel. This area is best known for producing Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer wines.
West Kelowna
Located on the west side of Kelowna and known for its moderate temperatures and rocky soils. This area is best known for producing red varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Malbec wines.
Summerland - THE HEART OF WINE COUNTRY
Located in the middle of the valley, and is known for its warmer temperatures and well-draining soils. This area is best known for producing Pinot Noir, Gamay Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Gewürztraminer wines.
Naramata
On the east side of the valley and known for its unique terroir that includes clay and gravel soils and a moderating influence of Lake Okanagan this area is best known for producing Pinot Noir, Merlot, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer wines.
OK Falls
The southern end of the valley is known for its dry, warm climate. This area is best known for its Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Sémillon, and Cabernet Sauvignon wines.
Oliver
Find this area in the south-central part of the valley. It's known for hot, dry summers and is moderated by the cool winds blowing down from the mountains. This area is best known for producing red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Merlot wines.
Osoyoos
This is the southernmost part of the valley where there is a hot, dry climate. This area is best known for producing red wines such as Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah.
Overall, the Okanagan Valley is a diverse wine region that offers a variety of wines to suit different tastes, reflecting the unique growing conditions in each area. The region is known for producing a range of varietals that include everything from bold heavy reds in the South Okanagan to fruit forward Pinot Noirs and Chardonnay in the mid valley and amazing crisp whites in the Northern Valley.