Hybrid: Grape varieties developed, typically by crossing European varieties with native North American varieties. The plant breeder’s objectives include developing varieties that ripen early, resist disease or are winter-hardy.*

Clone: The mutation of a species. Growers select and propagate clones selected for such desirable qualities as early ripening, vivid flavour and deep colour.*

Geology: Mt. Boucherie (near Kelowna) home to a number of wineries, is an extinct volcano.

Labrusca: A family of grapes – Vitis Labrusca – native to North America.*

More awards: Jackson Triggs Okanagan won the 2006 Rosemount Estate Trophy for Best Shiraz/Syrah of the year at the International Wine and Spirit Competition in London, England. A first for a North American Winery since they began awarding the trophy in 1994!

*Schreiner, John - British Columbia Wine Country, Whitecap Books Ltd., 2003

  
 
 

1. I want to start a winery. Where can I get information on that?

We have a Grape Management Guide that can give you general information (see next question). Licensing information is available through the BC government’s Liquor Control and Licensing Branch.
 

2. How can I purchase the Management Guide for Grapes?

Call 250-767-2534, or email Louise Corbeil at the BC Wine Grape Council to request one.

  
 

3. I’d like to open a liquor store or VQA wine store. How do I go about obtaining a license?

To open a liquor store, contact the BC government’s Liquor Control and Licensing Branch. There are currently no available licenses to open a VQA wine store.
 

4. Where can I get information on wine festivals in the Okanagan?

Go to the Okanagan Wine Festivals Society’s web site at www.owfs.com.

  
 

5. Is there a map with directions to BC wineries?

The BCWI publishes a wine route map. Contact us to have a copy mailed to you, or get it online here.
 

6. Where can I buy BC wines?

Visit your nearest BC VQA Wine Store to find the largest selection of BC VQA wines. The wines are also available at BC government liquor stores and private beer & wine stores around the province. They can also be purchased online from some wineries.

  
 

 
7. Which wineries serve lunch or dinner?

Some wineries serve both, some serve lunch only, some are open only seasonally, and some wineries do not have restaurants. The following wineries do, but you must contact the winery to find out when the restaurant is open.

Grapevine Restaurant at Gray Monk Estate Winery
Vineyard Terrace Restaurant at CedarCreek Family Estate Winery
Sunset Bistro at Summerhill Pyramid Winery
Old Vines Restaurant at Quails’ Gate Estate Winery
The Terrace at Mission Hill Family Estate Winery
Cellar Door Bistro at Sumac Ridge Estate Winery
Vine-Yard restaurant at Hainle Vineyards & Deep Creek Estate Winery
The Patio at Lake Breeze Vineyards
The Patio at Hawthorne Mountain Vineyards
The Sonora Room at Burrowing Owl Estate Winery
The Patio at Nk'Mip Cellars
Crowsnest Gasthaus at Crowsnest Vineyards
The Bistro at Saturna Island Family Estate Winery

 
 

8. I’d like to pick grapes. Do you know which wineries need pickers?

We don’t connect workers with wineries. Contact individual wineries for employment information.

  
 

9. I have some grapes to sell. Or, I need to buy grapes.

BCWI does not keep a record of who is selling or buying grapes.  Contact the BC Grapegrowers' Association at 1-877-762-4652.



 
© 2006 British Columbia Wine Institute.  All rights reserved.