Introducing The Similkameen Valley: 7% And Growing Strong

The Similkameen Valley (wiki) is not a new wine region in BC, but it seems like it has only recently been remembered, or maybe, more appropriately, rediscovered. Located in the very south of BC, just west of Osoyoos, it is surprising that the Similkameen has taken so long to get serious attention.

The acreage has more than doubled in the last few years (now roughly 7% of BC’s vineyards), and – finally – the majority of wineries (there are 12 in total) have joined together to form the Similkameen Wineries Association in an opening effort to promote the region.

The perception of the Similkameen today is that it is too remote, too far away from everywhere. It has thus been largely forgotten. I am guilty of this too, having always thought of it as ‘hours away’ in my nearly 8 years living just to the north in Peachland. This common misconception has been the main reason this fantastic region remains largely unvisited by the majority of wine tourists and media.

When I checked out the area and found out how great it was, we packed up the family and moved there to take full advantage of the affordable land and top quality acreage potential. We are planting a small vineyard this year (just under 4 acres of Riesling & Chardonnay), and I am also helping out the local wineries to launch the Similkameen Wineries Association – a regional marketing group that was just begging to happen.

The Association is launching its new logo and hosting its inaugural event – an afternoon Spring release tasting – on May 9th. The eight member wineries of the Association will be pouring alongside many food producers, hosts and artisans of the area. If you visit the new website in time you can even help choose the logo for the new Association (you will also find ticket info there).

On the horizon is a media event in Vancouver as well as a second local event in late summer to showcase the summer/fall releases. The goal of the Similkameen Wineries Association is to get people to visit and experience not just the wines but also the fantastic food and the various agri-tourism spots. Most importantly, it’s here to remind us of how close the region is to the rest of the Okanagan.

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A word of advice. Be careful… if you look more into this region, you may well want to move here.

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Rhys Pender is a wine educator, freelance wine writer, wine judge and consultant to the industry. Visit his company Wine Plus+ online at www.wineplus.ca.

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