History of the Area

Startling statistics reveal that the area under vines in BC has experienced sevenfold growth in the past 2 decades. The Okanagan is the forerunner with over  wineries alone and is considered the largest wine region in BC. The" Wine Capital of Canada" is right here in our very own backyard. This area has changed so dramatically, the wines are scooping awards all over the globe and new tasting rooms & vineyard dining terraces are popping up in the most enchanting areas. It is definately time to check out all the excitement & adventure. Sip back & relax, let Napa Wine Tours show you the sparkling gems in the Okanagan.With Canada's new "zero" tolerance driving law, it's a good idea to not drive after a wine tasting. Indulge yourselves in Okanagan wine tasting tours & you'll know which wines  will "party in your mouth".

The wine industry of BC saw its dramatic change in 1989. Canada & the US signed the Free Trade Agreement the previous fall, which had an enormous impact on the way Canada would do business in the future. At that time there were 3400 acres of grapes grown in BC, most of which would not play a role int the growth of the new Quality Standards that were being adopted. In 1989 all but 1000 acres of vineyards were removed: only those believed to be the very best qualities were left.

2009 marks the 20th Anniversary of the "pull - out program"; and today a reborn industry has emerged. We now have more that 10,000 acres planted with the very best quality of world class grape varieties. There are more than 60 different varieties being used in BC's  VQA wines.