Okanagan Valley

**Okanagan Valley** is the leading wine region of British Columbia, Canada, stretching along a chain of long lakes in the province's dry interior. It has become the country's best-known source of serious wine outside Ontario. **Wines & grapes** — Both colours are made across a wide palette. The cooler north favours aromatic whites such as Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer, while the warmer, near-desert south ripens Bordeaux reds like Merlot and Cabernet, along with Syrah and Pinot Noir. Icewine is a specialty in colder vintages. **Character** — The valley's length gives it a striking range of climates, from cool lakeside sites to sun-baked benches near the US border. Warm days, cool nights and low rainfall produce wines with bright acidity and clear varietal definition. **Good to know** — The moderating effect of the lakes helps vines survive the sharp continental winters.

Wines

• Fool's Mate — Checkmate Artisanal Winery
• Le Grand Vin — Osoyoos Larose
• Maestoso Merlot — La Stella
• Reserve — Mission Hill
• Rosé — Val Caudalies