The Okanagan Valley
The Similkameen Valley
The Fraser Valley
Vancouver Island
The Gulf Islands

Acidity: This natural tartness in grapes and other fruits contributes to vibrant flavours.*

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

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

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

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

 
 
WINE IS GEOGRAPHY.
  Where grapes are grown, the soil they’re grown in, the weather, the air, the sun and the growing techniques all affect the character and quality of the wine.

It’s an unfamiliar concept today. We’ve come to expect standardization in products as a guarantee of quality. We’d probably all agree standardization is great when you’re buying a car. It’s tough to buy parts for a one-of-a-kind car.

But, wine thrives on regional nuance, and its finest interpretations and expressions are decidedly regional. In fact, wine is at its best when pushed to be increasingly site-specific.

The great wines of the world are the result of skilled grape-growers and winemakers working together to bring out the unique qualities of the grapes that nature provides. The Wines of British Columbia are among these great wines.



 
© 2006 British Columbia Wine Institute.  All rights reserved.