Grape production in BC occurs in the Okanagan Valley, the Similkameen Valley, the Fraser Valley, and on the coastal islands. The majority of grape acreage is planted in the Okanagan/Similkameen region. The Okanagan/Similkameen Valleys are located in the rain shadow of the Coast and Cascade Mountain Ranges; the region is an ideal site for grape production. Long, hot summers are followed by cool nights and warm days in the fall which provide perfect conditions for ripening wine grapes. Winter temperatures are usually mild with little snow cover. However, some winters can be cold and winter injury of the vines is probable from time to time.

Ice wine is the product that distinguishes BC from most other wine growing areas of the world. BC is famous for its ice wine and while not a major portion of the crop is harvested as ice wine, it brings excellent publicity to the industry. Approximately 1.5% of the crop is harvested as ice wine. Temperatures must be at least -8°C for a period of several hours before harvest can begin. The berries must be frozen solidly and often the crop is picked during the night under lights and with frozen fingers. Some years, the crop is not harvested as ice wine as the winter is too mild.