Canada — wine

Similkameen Valley Wine Region

The Similkameen Valley in British Columbia — a dramatic canyon cut by the Similkameen River between the Cascade Mountains — is Canada's most distinctive and least-known wine region outside the Okanagan. Just 30 wineries cultivate barely 300 hectares, but the valley's extreme continental climate (the most arid in Canada), wind-scoured benchland, and certified organic farming culture (over 50% organic by area) produce wines of extraordinary concentration and character. Oldfield-Jones and Clos du Soleil are the leading advocates.

Year Rating Notes
2023 Similkameen's arid conditions were consistent; organic benchland vineyards delivered characteristic concentration and freshness.
2022 Outstanding BC vintage; the valley's extreme heat accumulation produced red blends of unusual depth with characteristic mountain freshness.
2021 Heat dome event in June stressed some vines; recovery through a warm autumn saved quality in well-managed organic sites.
2020 Solid Similkameen vintage; arid conditions maintained the low yields and concentration the valley is celebrated for.
2019 Fine BC vintage across the Similkameen; Clos du Soleil produced whites and reds of benchmark quality for Canadian wine.