Wineries

The wine and grape industries in British Columbia represent more than 2,000 full and part-time jobs and more than $23,000 million in salaries and wages. Much of this economic activity takes place in Okanagan, home to 48 of the province’s 72 grape wineries and two of its six fruit and cider wineries.

Agricultural and Wine Sector

The Okanagan wine industry has experienced significant growth since 1988 when the free trade agreement between Canada and the United States facilitated a major vine pullout program and Okanagan vineyards were replanted with premium vines. Combined with ideal growing conditions, the quality of Okanagan wines has steadily improved, producing wines of intense bouquet and flavour. Okanagan wines have won numerous medals at international competitions and the valley’s wine growers are recognized as being on the leading edge of grape cultivation practices.

In March 2002, the BC Wine Institute , which represents over 90% of the grape and wine producers in the province, relocated to Kelowna, further emphasizing the industry’s importance to the Okanagan.

Additional information on the wine industry can be found in our Economic Profile, at the BC Wine Institute and through the Okanagan Wine Festival Society.