Here’s What You Need To Know
Penticton is known as one of the best cities to visit in Canada. As you drive the country roads of Penticton, the scenery will welcome you with award-winning wineries and the intoxicating scents of the vineyards.
At any season, wineries provide intimate wine tasting sessions as you look over the stunning vineyards. You will be able to see how vineyards are prepared for growing during spring or experience the wine festival during fall as the harvest time comes on.
Wineries In Penticton and Area
Penticton is home to the wineries of South Okanagan and three different winery regions, namely Summerland, Okanagan Falls, and Naramata, which has 80 operational wineries that produce wines from over 75 varieties of grapes growing on 355 acres of vineyard. Located in the south of Okanagan Valley, the area’s temperature allows the grapes to grow with their natural acidity.
South Okanagan
South Okanagan has more than 170 operating wineries that produce different wine blends such as pinot noir, Bordeaux blend red, and Chardonnay. These wineries have been continuously developing grape varieties to produce better wines.
Oldest Winery in The Okanagan
Wine enthusiasts can also find the oldest operating winery in British Columbia in South Okanagan, Calona Vineyards. The winery opened during the 1930s, headed by the Casorsos. By 1966, another winery opened called Mission Hill.
Types of Winery Experiences
Aside from having winery tours, visiting Penticton wineries allows you to have different winery experiences when you visit the city. You can have an unforgettable tasting of the award-winning wines, cycling adventures along the vineyard, a gourmet picnic after visiting wineries, or enjoy the aromatic vineyards while riding a Jeep.
Red, White or Rose
The most flavorful pinot noir, rose, Gewurztraminer, and Pinot Gris are produced in the vineyards of Penticton. Sparkling wines also come from the freshest grapes that are grown in the city.
VQA
BC VQA is often seen on wine bottles. Vintners Quality Alliance is an independent body that certifies bottled wines that meet the quality standards and only uses grapes that are 100% grown in British Columbia. Each BC VQA label should have the winery’s name, vintage, wine blend’s name, quality assurance, and location where the grapes are grown. The certification of VQA on the bottles ensures the authenticity of the wine.
The 9 Wine Regions in BC
The British Columbia Wine Authority has recognized nine wine regions: Similkameen Valley, Vancouver Island, Okanagan Valley, Fraser Valley, Kootenays, Shuswaps, Thompson Valley, Gulf Islands, and Lillooet. Each grape-growing region produces different wine styles.
How To Tour Wineries Around Penticton BC
There are many wine touring adventures that you can do in Penticton. There are wine tours provided by knowledgeable operators where you can spend your day wine tasting and visiting different wineries. You may also go around by renting a bicycle or have a self-guided tour using a motorcycle.
