Wineries in British Columbia’s Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys will have almost no grape crop this season because of severe damage to buds and vines this winter, but that doesn’t mean they are out of wine. Because the production of wine takes one or more years depending on the wine and the aging processes, the loss of the crop won’t be felt until next year and the years after. While a massive replant is likely because the cold killed many vines, wineries are hoping a strong tourist season can bring some much-needed support.
To help plan a B.C. wine trip, my next two columns will highlight some of my favourite spots to visit.
This month I look at the northern half of the valley. Next month I’ll look at the southern half of the valley, plus the Similkameen Valley. The region north of Kelowna along the east side of Okanagan Lake is usually where my wine vacations begin since it’s close to Highway 97, the gateway to wine country from Calgary.
It’s also handy to the Kelowna International Airport. White wines such as riesling, pinot gris and chardonnay do well in this cooler area, as well as pinot noir and sparkling wines. One of the Okanagan’s oldest wineries – Gray Monk Estate – offers stunning views, tasty food and highlight wines such as pinot auxerrois and the Odyssey sparkling wines.
Also in Lake Country, former Calgarians Curtis Krouzel and Sheri-Lee Turner-Krouzel are marking 15 years in the wine business at their showpiece 50th Parallel Estate winery and.
