Gold. Railway speculation. And cowboys. The Similkameen Valley’s early history was colourful to say the least. Today, the gold and the railway are gone, but ranching, farming and fruit growing are very much alive in this agriculturally productive valley.

Steep mountains surround the region with vineyards planted along the edges of the river. Located in the lee of the Coast Mountain range about a three and a half hour drive from Vancouver, the Similkameen Valley has more than 200 acres of vineyards and 13 wineries. The region stretches west of the Okanagan Valley and over the land within the Similkameen River watershed.

From Cawston, continue SOUTH on HIGHWAY 3 to LOWE RD. Turn RIGHT on LOWE RD to visit the first winery on your tour, Herder Winery and Vineyards.

Herder works with local growers on the production of limited-quantity vineyard-designate wines that provide recognition for the craft of local growers. Established in 2004, Herder produces about 1,000 cases of premium wine a year. Both Herder and the next winery on the tour, Crowsnest Vineyards, are located on what is called the Upper Bench.

From Herder Winery and Vineyards continue NE on LOWE RD. Turn LEFT on SURPRISE RD to visit Crowsnest Vineyards.

Established in 1995, Crowsnest is named for Highway 3 which runs the length of the province of British Columbia and is also known as the Crowsnest Highway. Crowsnest produces a very popular un-oaked Chardonnay called ‘Stahltank’-German for steel tank which takes the place of oak in the production of this wine.

Crowsnest is the end of your tour. Continue on to the South Okanagan and pick up at the beginning of Itinerary #14 if you have a taste for more wine touring.

TOTAL DRIVING TIME (ROUND TRIP): 25 MINUTES
RECOMMENDED TOUR TIME: HALF DAY