Canada — wine

Fraser Valley

The broad glacial outwash plain east of Vancouver, more familiar for berry crops and dairy than viticulture. Cool, wet conditions limit grape variety selection to cold-hardy whites and pinot noir; a handful of estates work within these constraints with quiet conviction. Proximity to Metro Vancouver gives tasting room traffic that sustains small operations.

Year Rating Notes
2024 92 Fraser Valley's 2024 was the finest growing season the region has experienced in the modern era. Warm, dry summer conditions and a long clean harvest produced Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir of exceptional brightness and freshness for this Vancouver-adjacent wine region.
2023 77 Cool, wet season returned to the valley's typical challenge. Hybrid varieties and early whites were the reliable choices.
2022 90 The finest Fraser Valley vintage in the modern era. Warm, extended season pushed even classically marginal varieties to full phenolic maturity.
2021 84 Warm summer allowed earlier-ripening varieties to achieve full maturity. Pinot Gris and Bacchus were the standout performers.
2014 90 Fraser Valley's 2014 was a warm, dry season that pushed quality to the highest level the region has achieved. Pinot Gris and aromatic whites excelled with striking concentration; Pinot Noir achieved ripeness rarely seen this close to Vancouver.
2013 89 Fraser Valley's 2013 was one of the most successful growing seasons for this emerging Vancouver-adjacent wine region. Warm, dry conditions allowed Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay to reach ripeness rarely achieved at this latitude.
2012 86 Fraser Valley's 2012 was a mixed vintage — warm summer conditions produced decent ripeness in Pinot Noir and aromatic whites, though the limited drainage on some sites made harvest timing critical.