Lillooet
Fraser Canyon
Common Grape Varieties: Riesling, Pinor Noir, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay.
Key Wine Events: Cornucopia Celebration of Food + Drink – Whistler (November)
A Hidden Gem Along the Fraser River
When wine growing and producing began in earnest in British Columbia, there were a lot of naysayers who wagged their tongues about the inhospitable landscape and weather often attributed to Canada. Believers have gone on to prove the doubters wrong and although there have been blips along the way. Grape growing and wine production is alive and thriving in the province.
Enter Lillooet and even those who dared to push the boundaries in the early days of wine growing in BC had their doubts.
Located on the southern tip of the Cariboo Chilcotin at an elevation of 230 metres, the area is described as rugged and raw. The tourism association describes Lillooet as a place “where encounters come in wine glasses, in pit cooks, in gold pans, on rafts, on horseback, by float plane.”
Situated along the Fraser River, the community was formerly known as Cayoosh Flats, it may not immediately be on the lips of wine enthusiasts. But the area does enjoy long, hot, dry summers not unlike the Okanagan Valley, making it ripe for grape growing and the future is promising.
Vineyards were first planted 20 years ago and today there are about 30 acres of grapes.
Despite its small size, Lilloett has been recognized by the BC Wine Authority as a Geographical Indication.
It’s worth a visit to this teeny wine region as it is in close proximity to Whistler-Blackcomb and an easy drive to Vancouver. It offers unparalleled backcountry adventures, a farmer’s market, agritourism tours and golf.
9 Distinct Wine Region of British Columbia
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