We’ve long been known for our wine and now the Okanagan has been named as a Top Wine Destination in the World.

The Huffington Post named the region as the number one place to enjoy wine, but really how could we not win with scenic vineyard views and exceptional wines.



Photo Credit: Mission Hill Winery

Places like Napa and the Sonoma Valley in California along with areas of France have always been hot-spot wine tasting destinations, but the Okanagan continues to make an impression with visitors from around the world. More than 60 grape varietals are grown here as well as a variety of fruit wines which attract hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. The Okanagan Valley boasts nearly 82 per cent of the total vineyard acerage in BC. The Valley stretches over 250 km, starting in Osoyoos BC. Kelowna is in the center of the Valley and is the largest city in the Valley. From world-class operations to family-run boutique vineyards, Okanagan wineries are rich with character and consistently ranked among the worlds best at International competitions.

See the Huffington Post’s Top 10 Wine Destinations in the World below:

1. Okanagan Valley, British Columbia





Photo credit: Kelly Nigro via Flickr

From the Canada/U.S. border, Highway 97 winds its way north from the summer vacation hotspot of Osoyoos, through the region's viticulture center in Penticton, and past the mountain-framed shores of Okanagan Lake to Vernon. More than 60 grape varietals are grown here, including Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, as well as a variety of fruit wines. Okanagan wines are truly exceptional, and Penticton is an excellent place to start a tasting tour of the more than 100 wineries in the region.

2. Bordeaux, France





Bordeaux is one of the most respected wine producing regions in the world, producing everything from delicious table wines to some of the world's most expensive and prestigious bottles. more...

3. Finger Lakes, New York





Photo credit: Valerie Knoblauch via Flickr

New York's largest producing wine region, the Finger Lakes has more than 100 wineries dotting the panoramic hills around the lakes. more...

4. Mendoza, Argentina





Photo credit: Alberto via Flickr

In recent years, Argentina has established itself as top wine-producing region, known for its exceptional Malbec, as well as decent Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. more...

5. Willamette Valley, Oregon





Photo credit: Travel Salem via Flickr

More than 200 large and small wineries populate this fertile region, which runs south from Portland along Highway 99. more...





Ah Tuscany! Chianti is the first word that comes to mind, the ever-pleasing red wine that pairs so perfectly with meats and pastas. more...

7. Cape Town, South Africa





Photo credit: warrenski via Flickr

Just outside of Cape Town is South Africa's world-renown Cape Winelands, where fertile soil and a moderate climate enables growers to produce fine Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Pinot Noir. South African wines have grown in popularity over the last decades, and the region is well-prepared for a wine-tasting holiday. more...

8. Napa & Sonoma, California





Napa Valley has long been the most popular wine tasting region in the United States, drawing more than 4 million visitors each year. more...

9. Barcelona, Spain





Bordering the Mediterranean Sea, cosmopolitan Barcelona teems with gastronomic discoveries, among its blend of Gothic and modern architecture. more...

10. Yarra Valley, Australia





An hour outside of Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is rolling landscape filled with cute villages, crafts shops, restaurants, and a lot of wineries. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah are the main varietals here, but the area is also known for its classic sparkling wines. more...