Iconic Wineries of British Columbia.
July 26 2021, Mercedes-Benz Vancouver
Whether you are a fan of rosé, have a penchant for pinot noir, or are partial to a fine viognier, you've probably got a favourite B.C. wine label. The unique microclimate of the Okanagan Valley makes for a diverse range of wineries right in our own backyard, all of which are committed to consistently improving their game and impressing the highly competitive world stage.
As an esteemed portfolio of some of the best, Iconic Wineries of British Columbia represents some of the top spots to familiarize yourself with. So, read on in preparation for your next trip to the interior, or your next outing to your favourite wine shop-whichever comes first.
Martin’s Lane
Designed with an architecturally rugged look and led by winemaker Shane Munn, this luxurious winery has made a name for itself as "the world's most radical pinot noir winery". That said, the East Kelowna operation also produces riesling. A sense of exclusivity abounds at this six-level gravity winery, where the entire structure is all but hidden from view within the landscape; its innovative design is the result of a handpicked team from all over the world, and its superb wine is no different. The once-invite-only winery currently allows tasting appointments for those who have signed up as members.
CheckMate Artisanal Winery
Located in Oliver, B.C., this winery is all about “new world chardonnay and merlot, with old-world excellence.” If that sounds like an award-winning combination to you, you’d be correct. CheckMate has proudly excelled on the world’s stage, with consecutive vintages scoring 100 points —the 2015 and 2016 vintages of its Little Pawn Chardonnay— and is well worth a visit. Winemaker Philip McGahan and his team proudly tend to everything by hand, from cluster-thinning the grapes to leaf-pulling throughout the vineyards. Book in for a tasting to receive a delicious 60-minute guided experience of four chardonnays and two merlots.
Liquidity
This Okanagan Falls winery is a joy to visit for the wine of course, but also because of its artful touch: Liquidity boasts both permanent outdoor art installations and temporary exhibitions, too. Pieces by B.C. artists Brent Comber, Martha Sturdy, and Ian MacDonald dot the property, adding elegance to an already picturesque scene. For the full Liquidity experience, book a tasting online and enjoy some wine with a view of the lush Lucy and Allen Vineyards, rolling hills, and lake beyond.
Road 13 Vineyards
One of Road 13’s claims to fame is well-rooted in the past: their chenin blanc vines are some of the oldest in all of North America. Indeed, the winery’s motto—“It’s All About the Dirt”—makes total sense, and this soil produces some seriously fine varietals. Road 13 offers three distinct tiers of wine: a red blend, a white blend, and a rosé named Honest John; a core series of red and white wines under the Road 13 name; and a premium tier under the name Jackpot. Located in Oliver just a stone’s throw away from CheckMate Winery, it’s highly recommended to visit the two, one after the other.
Mission Hill Family Estate
Perhaps the most renowned winery in the Okanagan Valley, Mission Hill is a mecca of fine food, wine, art, and ambience. It would be easy to spend a day at this property, visiting the Terrace Restaurant, taking in the art and, of course, sipping the excellent wine before picking up a few bottles (or cases) to take home with you. There are many different tasting experiences to suit your timeframe, mood, and budget—just know that a trip to the Okanagan is not complete without a visit to Mission Hill.
CedarCreek Estate Winery
This Kelowna winery is located in a cool climate of the North Okanagan, giving the grapes time to develop their flavours slowly. The land itself is a hive of activity, and you may well spot the friendly herd of resident Scottish Highland Cows strolling through the vineyard rows. (Not just a scenic addition, the cows’ hooves break up the soil and their manure is used for compost.) It’s a good idea to indulge in some tasty terroir-to-table dining at CedarCreek, available at Home Block Restaurant, and various tastings and experiences can be easily booked online.
We all know that world-class wines are plentiful in our own backyard, and the Okanagan Valley is the place to try them all in style. By exploring the Iconic Wineries of British Columbia, you simply can’t go wrong. Stunning views, welcoming staff, top-notch wines, and the finest fare—what more could you ask for in a wine-tasting tour? Cheers.
