The Okanagan Valley in
BC, Canada was the first to gain international recognition
from the wine industry. For many years the Okanagan brew masters
developed their crafts carving out a global market.
Today there are wineries on Vancouver
Island and on some of the Gulf Islands, as
well as the Okanagan Valley. All British
Columbia wineries and vineyards prosper
because of the long hours of sunshine creating moderate warm temperatures
then mixing with the shifts in cool intermittent weather systems.
It is an ideal environment for producing wines
higher in acids and wines which are more aromatic. The weather
system allows the brew masters to work their magic during a long
fermentation process which produces a lighter, fruitier wine.
Globally, the market prefers an aromatic touch.
This is good news for BC Wineries and Vineyards.
The spring season, usually around March, the local
wineries and vineyards start
providing wine tours and wine tasting.
During the fall season is, traditionally, when the grapes are
harvested. A must visit is the “Harvest Weekend” in
late October when visitors can see the B.C. grapes
being crushed up close and personal experiencing an important
part in the wine making process. This period
of wine brewing is when the new wine is fermenting
and the old wine is going through final racking.
The BC winery embarks on the turning of the barrels.
During the winter climates the British Columbia
brew masters and vintners turn their attention
to the cellar. The casks are topped up and fermentation is monitored
closely. The barrels are maintained and barrel
bungs wiped down in the winemaker’s special
solution. This is the time of year the BC wineries
celebrate the winter solstice in December to make a toast to good
fortunes to all in the upcoming year.
The British Columbia
wineries and vineyards take
great pride in their wines and ciders.
Many BC wine makers and vintners lead
the field in new fermentation and processing
methods. It should be of no surprise to anyone that BC is successful
in wines… since the early 1800’s Canadians
have been known as pioneers in wine making.
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