Wineries in BC

Geography: Lake Okanagan, at 144 kilometers long and 3.5 kilometers average width, is the source of much-needed water for irrigation for vines in the Okanagan Valley.

Brix: A measure of sugar in grapes: one degree Brix equals 10 grams of sugar per litre. Mature grapes are typically 21 to 25 Brix, equating to 11 to 13 percent alchohol after fermentation.*

Sales: British Columbia VQA wine sales have doubled in the last six years to more than $155 million annually.

VQA: VQA=100% BC - All British Columbia wines bearing the VQA symbol must be made from 100% BC grown grapes. The wines are screened by a professional tasting panel and wines found faulty cannot be sold as VQA wines.*

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