Lake Country

50°04'59.9" N

LATITUDE

119°24'30.6" W

LONGITUDE

about this subregion

Nestled in the heart of British Columbia, the Lake Country appellation offers a picturesque wine environment. Its unique terroir, with vineyards stretching along the serene shores of Lake Okanagan, provides an ideal backdrop for grape cultivation.

Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Chardonnay thrive in this welcoming climate. The combination of warm, sun-drenched days and cool nights, courtesy of the lake's moderating influence, ensures a balanced ripening of these grape varieties.

The glacial soils, coupled with the region's distinct microclimates, contribute to the wines' complexity and depth. The terroir imparts a sense of place, reflected in the wines' elegant and expressive profiles.

Lake Country's vineyards, surrounded by stunning natural beauty, create a harmonious union between the grapevines and their environment. The result is a collection of wines that capture the essence of this captivating appellation, offering a taste of the land and a sip of its tranquil, picturesque surroundings.

2500

Vineyard Hectares

30

WINERIES

1318 - 1323

GROWING DEGREE DAYS

Discover Terroir

The Lake Country appellation in the heart of British Columbia, Canada, is a wine region distinguished by its stunning natural surroundings. This captivating area is celebrated for its remarkable landscape, making it a sought-after destination for wine enthusiasts and travelers alike.

Named after the serene waters of Lake Okanagan that grace its shores, Lake Country enjoys a picturesque setting. The tranquil lake stretches as far as the eye can see, creating a serene backdrop against which the region's vineyards flourish. Rows of grapevines extend toward the water's edge, forming a captivating tableau of lush vineyards against the glistening lake.

Framed by rolling hills and embraced by the grandeur of the Cascade Mountains in the distance, Lake Country offers a landscape of unparalleled charm. The hillsides are adorned with meticulously tended vineyards, their vibrant greenery providing a striking contrast against the clear, sunlit skies above.

Lake Country's distinctive topography and its proximity to Lake Okanagan are instrumental in shaping its unique terroir. The lake's moderating influence tempers the climate, resulting in warm days and cool nights that are ideally suited for grape cultivation. The region boasts diverse soils, ranging from alluvial to glacial deposits, offering winemakers a rich palette to craft wines that authentically reflect this captivating landscape.

Whether you're leisurely strolling through the vineyards, savoring wine on a lakeside terrace, or sipping in the sweeping vistas from a hillside winery, Lake Country's landscape is an integral part of the wine experience. It's a place where the natural beauty of the surroundings converges with the artistry of winemaking, producing wines that eloquently capture the essence of this extraordinary appellation.

In the heart of British Columbia's renowned Okanagan wine country, the Lake Country appellation stands out as a testament to nature's propensity for creating perfect conditions for viticulture. Perched at the 50th parallel north, this region enjoys a unique climate, historically considered the upper limit for successful grape cultivation. Its position lends itself to a cooler climate, conducive to nurturing grape varieties that thrive in such conditions.

The vineyards, strategically spread across the west-facing slopes, are perfectly poised to absorb the generous late afternoon sunlight. This sun exposure is critical, as it infuses the grapes with warmth, enhancing their flavor and richness. Meanwhile, the presence of Okanagan Lake nearby is a natural boon. The lake serves as a temperature regulator, smoothing out the climatic extremes that are typical of inland areas. This moderation is pivotal in creating a stable and conducive environment for the vines, protecting them from the harshness of both summer heat and winter cold.

Recent years have witnessed a shift in the climate, with milder winters and fewer extreme cold events, signaling a transformation in Lake Country's viticultural potential. What was once a region grappling with vine-killing temperatures has gradually evolved into a more hospitable zone for wine production. This change is not just a stroke of luck but a reflection of broader climatic shifts that have redefined the possibilities for wine growers in this northern reach of the wine world.

Moreover, the terrain of Lake Country plays an essential role in its viticultural success. The sloping landscapes ensure adequate drainage and exposure to the elements, which is crucial for extending the growing season and reducing risks like frost damage. These geographical features, coupled with the evolving climate, have propelled Lake Country from a once-marginal wine region to a celebrated and thriving wine-producing destination. The area now boasts a variety of high-quality wines, particularly known for their light-bodied reds, crisp and refreshing whites, and exquisitely crafted sparkling wines. Each bottle encapsulates the unique combination of Lake Country's cool climate, sun-drenched slopes, and the moderating effects of its picturesque lake, offering a taste that is as distinct as the landscape itself.

In the enchanting wine landscape of Lake Country, framed by the tranquil shores of Lake Okanagan, Lake Country wineries offer a captivating selection of wines, each with unique aromatic and flavor profiles:

  1. Pinot Noir: Lake Country's Pinot Noir wines are celebrated for their delicate aromas of red berries and subtle floral notes. On the palate, they unfurl flavors of cherries, raspberries, and a touch of earthiness, often accompanied by a lusciously smooth texture.
  2. Pinot Gris: Lake Country's Pinot Gris wines emit a fresh bouquet of citrus, pear, and crisp apple. Their flavor profile dances with liveliness, offering notes of green apple, lemon zest, and a hint of minerality, creating a rejuvenating and invigorating palate.
  3. Riesling: Lake Country's Riesling wines proudly display vibrant aromas of white peaches, hints of honeysuckle, and a subtle trace of petrol. The palate is a symphony of crisp green apple, ripe apricot, and a harmonious acidity, achieving the perfect equilibrium of sweetness and vitality.
  4. Chardonnay: Chardonnay wines from Lake Country allure with enticing fragrances of tropical fruits, vanilla, and a delicate touch of oak. On the palate, they deliver flavors of ripe pineapple, citrus zest, and creamy nuances, often intertwined with a gracefully balanced acidity and a touch of toasty oak.

In Lake Country, these beloved wines artfully portray the region's terroir, offering a delightful array of aromas and flavors for wine aficionados to savor and cherish.

Associations

Discover

Lake Country's wine canvas, framed by the tranquil shores of Lake Okanagan, offers an enchanting backdrop for cultivating Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Chardonnay grapes. Here's a succinct glimpse into these grapes and their specific agricultural demands:

  1. Pinot Noir: Flourishing in Lake Country's moderate climate, Pinot Noir grapes thrive with well-drained soils and abundant sunshine. The region's cool nights preserve essential acidity for this grape.
  2. Pinot Gris: Lake Country's temperate conditions are a sweet spot for Pinot Gris. It prospers under the influence of warm days and refreshing evenings, culminating in well-balanced grapes. Adequate drainage is essential.
  3. Riesling: Riesling basks in Lake Country's extended daylight hours, benefiting from sunny days that foster sugar development while retaining its signature acidity. Optimal growth requires well-drained soils.
  4. Chardonnay: Lake Country's cooler microclimates are a haven for Chardonnay grapes. They excel under the harmonious interplay of sunshine and meticulous vineyard care, capitalizing on the region's mineral-rich soils.

In Lake Country's vinous realm, these grape varieties are the artists, painting wines that resonate harmoniously with the region's unique terroir.

In the enchanting wine landscape of Lake Country, framed by the tranquil shores of Lake Okanagan, Lake Country wineries offer a captivating selection of wines, each with unique aromatic and flavor profiles:

  1. Pinot Noir: Lake Country's Pinot Noir wines are celebrated for their delicate aromas of red berries and subtle floral notes. On the palate, they unfurl flavors of cherries, raspberries, and a touch of earthiness, often accompanied by a lusciously smooth texture.
  2. Pinot Gris: Lake Country's Pinot Gris wines emit a fresh bouquet of citrus, pear, and crisp apple. Their flavor profile dances with liveliness, offering notes of green apple, lemon zest, and a hint of minerality, creating a rejuvenating and invigorating palate.
  3. Riesling: Lake Country's Riesling wines proudly display vibrant aromas of white peaches, hints of honeysuckle, and a subtle trace of petrol. The palate is a symphony of crisp green apple, ripe apricot, and a harmonious acidity, achieving the perfect equilibrium of sweetness and vitality.
  4. Chardonnay: Chardonnay wines from Lake Country allure with enticing fragrances of tropical fruits, vanilla, and a delicate touch of oak. On the palate, they deliver flavors of ripe pineapple, citrus zest, and creamy nuances, often intertwined with a gracefully balanced acidity and a touch of toasty oak.

In Lake Country, these beloved wines artfully portray the region's terroir, offering a delightful array of aromas and flavors for wine aficionados to savor and cherish.

arrow-back-to-top