The Okanagan Valley, renowned for its stunning landscapes and favourable climate, has established itself as a premier wine region. Its wineries produce some of the most sought-after wines, which dominate the shelves of British Columbia's liquor stores. We explore the top Okanagan wines that have captured BC wine lovers' hearts.
Wines sold at liquor stores are slightly more expensive than if you were to purchase these from the wineries themselves. For example, the Poplar Grove Cabernet Franc is $4 cheaper if you purchase from the winery directly than the BC liquor store pricing. Taking the time to visit these wineries, partake in the tasting experience, and leave with your new favourite bottle of wine is an exciting day out and will save you a few dollars. Purchasing from the wineries directly allows you to get the bottle at the best value while also ensuring you pick the perfect wine for your tastebuds.
Mission Hill Family Estate - West Kelowna
Mission Hill Reserve Meritage
BC Liquor Store: $34.99, Winery: $31.00
The Mission Hill Reserve Meritage is popular in BC liquor stores and is celebrated for its rich and balanced profile. This Bordeaux-style blend, featuring Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, offers complex blackberry, plum, and dark chocolate flavours, complemented by hints of vanilla and spice from aging in oak barrels. The full-bodied texture and smooth tannins make it an excellent pairing with red meats and hearty dishes.
Mission Hill Reserve Chardonnay
BC Liquor Store: $66.99, Winery: SOLD OUT
Another popular offering from Mission Hill is their Reserve Chardonnay. This wine is prized for its balanced acidity and creamy texture, achieved through fermentation in French oak barrels. Notes of citrus, apple, and subtle spice make it a versatile wine that pairs well with various dishes, making it a frequent favourite among BC wine enthusiasts.
Poplar Grove Winery - Penticton
Poplar Grove Cabernet Franc
BC Liquor Store: $38.99, Winery: $34.70
Poplar Grove Cabernet Franc has garnered significant popularity for its blackberry, raspberry, and plum notes, complemented by subtle hints of pepper, tobacco, and dark chocolate. The well-balanced acidity and smooth tannins create a harmonious and elegant finish, making it a versatile wine that pairs well with various dishes, from grilled meats to hearty vegetarian fare. The dedication to craftsmanship and the use of carefully selected grapes ensure that each bottle of Poplar Grove Cabernet Franc consistently delivers a premium wine experience, making it a favourite among wine enthusiasts and casual drinkers in British Columbia.
Poplar Grove Pinot Gris
BC Liquor Store: $23.49, Winery: $21.65
This Pinot Gris delights the palate with bright green apple, pear, and citrus flavours, balanced by a hint of floral notes and a clean, mineral finish. The wine's acidity and smooth texture make it an ideal companion for various dishes, from seafood to light salads and creamy cheeses. Its consistent quality and approachable style have made Poplar Grove Pinot Gris a top pick among both seasoned wine enthusiasts and casual drinkers in British Columbia, securing its place as a staple on the shelves of local liquor stores.
Sandhill Wines - Kelowna
Sandhill Small Lots One
BC Liquor Store: $41.99, Winery: $45.00
Sandhill Wines' Small Lots program produces some of Okanagan's most exclusive and sought-after wines. The Small Lots One, a blend of Syrah, Petit Verdot, and Malbec, stands out. This wine is a hit in BC liquor stores and is known for its deep, concentrated flavours and complex structure. Its blackberry, plum, spice notes, and smooth tannic finish make it a favourite for those who enjoy robust reds.
Sandhill Pinot Gris
BC Liquor Store: $21.99, Winery: $22.00
Sandhill's Pinot Gris is another popular choice, celebrated for its refreshing acidity and fruity profile. With flavours of pear, apple, and a hint of citrus, it's a versatile white wine that pairs well with seafood, salads, and light pasta. This wine's consistent quality has made it a mainstay in many households across BC.
Burrowing Owl Estate Winery - Oliver
Burrowing Owl Viognier
BC Liquor Store: $42.99, Winery: $40.00
The Burrowing Owl Viognier has become popular in BC liquor stores due to its exceptional aromatic intensity and balanced flavour profile, making it a standout among white wines from the Okanagan Valley. Wine enthusiasts are drawn to its inviting bouquet of jasmine and honeysuckle, which transitions smoothly into rich, tropical flavours of peach, mango, and pineapple. This Viognier's full-bodied, dry palate with a crisp acidity and complex papaya, nectarine, and citrus notes offers a refreshing and versatile wine.
Burrowing Owl Syrah
BC Liquor Store: $38.99, Winery: $35.00
The Burrowing Owl Syrah offers a rich variety of flavours, including dark cherry, blackberry, and plum, complemented by hints of black pepper, cocoa, and smoky bacon. Its full-bodied texture and balanced tannins create a smooth, lingering finish that appeals to casual wine drinkers and connoisseurs. The wine's consistent quality and ability to pair well with hearty dishes, such as grilled meats and robust stews, make it a staple on the shelves of BC liquor stores, consistently drawing in customers looking for a reliable and exquisite red wine.
Laughing Stock Vineyards - Penticton
Laughing Stock Viognier
BC Liquor Store: $28.99, Winery: $28.00
This wine is celebrated for its bright flavours of tangerine, peach, and roasted pineapple, coupled with a fleshy mouthfeel that appeals to a wide range of palates. The careful balance of ripeness and acidity achieved by Laughing Stock Vineyards ensures a refreshing and well-rounded taste, making it a versatile option that pairs beautifully with various dishes. Its consistent quality and the winery's reputation for excellence have made the Laughing Stock Viognier a favourite among British Columbia casual drinkers and wine enthusiasts.
Laughing Stock Portfolio
BC Liquor Store: $56.99, Winery: $53.00
This flagship wine from Laughing Stock Vineyards is a meticulously crafted blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, showcasing the best Okanagan Valley terroir. Its features layers of dark fruit, such as blackberry and plum, intertwined with notes of chocolate, cedar, and spice. The well-structured tannins and balanced acidity give it a smooth, lingering finish that appeals to both connoisseurs and casual wine drinkers.
Conclusion
The Okanagan Valley continues to produce some of the most popular and sought-after wines available in British Columbia liquor stores. Favourites include Mission Hill's Oculus, Burrowing Owl's Syrah, Poplar Grove's Pinot Gris, and Laughing Stock's Portfolio blend. Known for their quality and variety, these wines cater to diverse tastes and solidify the Okanagan's reputation for exceptional winemaking.
