Wine & Grapes

Penticton Vineyards

Regional Vineyard Distribution

The rapidly growing grape industry supports a number of award winning estate and farm gate wineries. The 2008 Grape Acreage Report produced by the British Columbia Grapegrowers Association reported 710 vineyards in BC (both winery and independently owned), with acreage distributed as follows:

  • 84.3% in the Okanagan Valley
  • 6.4% in the Similkameen Valley
  • 7.3% in the Coastal Areas
  • 2.0% in other areas of BC

In 2008 there was approximately 7,640 acres planted to grapes in the Okanagan Valley, an increase of 36 percent from 2006.

The average winery-owned vineyard is 22.7 acres while the average independent grower vineyard size is 6.7 acres. The average size of both winery-owned and independent vinyards has decreased since the first Grape Acreage Report survey was carried out in 1999 and reflects difficulties in acquiring larger tracts of good grape growing land in BC attributable to price and availability, as well as a trend towards small-scale, boutique wineries.

Harvesting of the grapes generally takes place between mid-September and the end of October. Icewine grapes are harvested by hand in December and January when the temperature reaches -8° C or colder. The harvest often takes place at night to guarantee a temperature below -8° C.

There are no Agricultural Employment Offices in the South Okanagan nor a complete list of farms. Most vacancies are filled by workers contacting employers directly, although some vacancies may be advertised at the Penticton Service Canada Centre or summer student offices.

Local Wine Industry

Penticton & Wine Country Visitor Center

The Wine Country Visitor Centre is home to the BC Wine Information Centre which offers VQA wines from over 70 BC wineries. Open seven days a week, the wine shop always has daily complimentary wine tastings. Located on Hwy 97 in Penticton the Visitor Center also houses the Visitor Info Centre, Tourism Development, Economic Development and the Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce.

The Okanagan Valley wine industry is strong and Penticton is home to several key industry leaders. The area surrounding Penticton has long been known for a bountiful agricultural industry and the rapid expansion in grape production has added diversity to this sector.

Penticton area wines are receiving an increasing number of medals domestically and at international wine competitions. This reflects the increase in quality and signals that wine producers are keeping pace with international expectations for quality wine. There are now 14 wineries in the City of Penticton and 8 wineries on the Naramata bench just north of the city.

Questions? Contact Penticton Economic Development

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