Shuswap: Salmon Arm, Tappen & Celista
Common Grape Varieties: Marechal Foch, Ortega, Siegerrebe, Gewurztraminer, Kerner
Average Daily High Temperature (July): 26C
Average Hours of Sunshine: 1802
Average Annual Rainfall: 469 mm
Acreage: 100
Soil Type: Silt, clay, sandy loam
If you’ve ever been to the Shuswap area of British Columbia, you’re well aware that its generous waterways make for a boater’s paradise.
Indeed, the Shuswap Lake system boasts more than 1,000 kilometres of pristine shoreline and is home to the largest houseboat fleet in the country.
But did you also know that the area is starting to make a name for itself in wine?
The Shuswap may be further north than some wine producers would consider ideal, but it enjoys a unique micro-climate that results in fresh, fruit-forward wines with plenty of character. Today, there are more than 100 acres of grape vineyard supplying grapes to almost a dozen wineries stretching as far north as Calista.
This region is an ecological gem. Amid this natural habitat you’ll find smatterings of grass-roots communities with charming cafes and boutiques and an active and inspiring artist culture. Its overall population is small, but swells in the summer with tourists attracted to the region for houseboating, camping, fishing and for the August music extravaganza known as the Salmon Arm Roots & Blues Festival.
Those looking to escape from it all will love the numerous park campgrounds where exploration abounds through trails along the forested Shuswap Lake shoreline.
Another draw is the Adams River salmon run in October, which presents the unique opportunity to combine a wine tour with viewing millions of sockeye salmon returning for the spawn.
Nature lovers will appreciate the area’s waterfront trails and boardwalks. Margaret Falls features a rock chasm and offers an enchanted forest feel with a unique ecosystem of flowers, trees and shrubs.
The Shuswap has a deeply rooted farming community and food enthusiasts are invited to do a farm tour that also includes the charming wineries of the area. It’s a terrific way to explore the regional food culture.
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