Sales: British Columbia VQA wine sales have doubled in the last six years to more than $182 million annually.

Growing Regions: There are five main DVAs (Designated Viticultural Areas) in British Columbia — the Okanagan Valley, Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, the Fraser Valley and the Similkameen Valley.

Terroir: The sandy soil of the Black Sage Bench near Oliver reaches 300 feet deep in places.

Meritage: Rhymes with heritage. A term created in California to identify blends made with Bordeaux grape varieties.*

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

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