Geography: The southern Okanagan Valley in the area between Oliver and the border is classified as part of the Sonora Desert, which runs south to the Baja Peninsula in Mexico.

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.*

Terroir: The Okanagan Valley has five officially recognized sub-regions — Kelowna, Naramata, Okanagan Falls, Golden Mile, and Black Sage/Osoyoos.

History: In 1931, Calona Vineyards opened as the first commercial winery in the Okanagan.

Expansion: There are now 160 grape wineries in BC and several licenses pending, up from just 13 in 1984.

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