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

The BC Wine Grape Council has 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 BC 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 BC VQA wine store, however we can put your name on a list to contact in the future should any become available – just send your name and contact information to info@winebc.com – putting BC VQA Store in the subject line.
 

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. 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 See Ya Later Ranch
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
Thistles Café at Glenterra Vineyards
Vineyard View Bed & Breakfast at D'Angelo Estate Winery
Black Widow Winery Bed & Breakfast
 

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

Visit our job postings page or 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.
 

10. I’d like to learn more about wine.

Visit the websites for the International Sommelier Guild or the Wine & Spirit Education Trust for information.
 

11. I'd like to take winemaking or wine related courses.

Visit the Okanagan College website.
 

12. I’d like a job in the wine industry. Do you know where I can look?

Visit our job postings page or contact individual wineries for employment information.
 

13. Where can I find regulatory information about BC wines, including the BC VQA program and labelling requirements?

Visit the The Wines of Marked Quality Regulation or contact the BC Wine Authority at 1-877-499-2872.
   

14. Which wineries are certified organic?

Deep Creek Wine Estate & Hainle Vineyards Estate Winery, Kalala Organic Estate Winery, Rollingdale Winery and Summerhill Pyramid Organic Winery.

For the full list of certified organic wineries and vineyards, visit the Certified Organic Associations of BC website.