Okanagan Valley named world's 2nd best wine region to visit

The Okanagan Valley has been named by USA Today as the world’s second best wine region to visit amongst a list of the top 10 worldwide wine destinations.

The ranking was compiled by votes from its readers as part of the newspaper’s Readers’ Choice 2014 Awards. The Okanagan Valley was only bested by Alentejo in south-central area of Portugal.

The southern B.C. interior region boasts some of Canada’s most fertile soils and its dry summer heat ripens the grape varietals before turning it into award-winning wines. But besides being known for its wine production, the area also has a spectacular natural setting with plentiful outdoor recreational opportunities – the perfect activities between wine tastings.

Here is what USA Today had to say about the Okanagan Valley:

“Drop. Dead. Gorgeous” is how wine expert Kerry describes Okanagan Valley, a remote British Columbia wine region famous for its white and ice wines. Tucked between two mountain ranges, about a four drive from Vancouver, Okanagan Valley enjoys a rural character, dramatic vistas and abundant outdoor adventures to occupy the time between tastings.

British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley came in at a strong #2, its loyal fans reminding voters of the area’s lush landscape of mountains and rivers. The Okanagan offers excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation in between tastings.

This comes as a major honour for the local winery and tourism industry says Ellen Walker-Matthews, Marketing Chair for the Okanagan Wine Festivals.

“To not only have the Okanagan Valley recognized among the finest wine regions globally but to finish in second spot by readers of a major international newspaper is a tremendous honour. This will continue to build the incredible momentum we have seen in our wine region over the past several years.”

“This type of recognition inspires travel to the Okanagan Valley as a premier wine tourism destination.”

USA Today’s Top 10 Wine Regions To Visit

Alentejo, Portugal
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Maipo, Chile
Marlborough, New Zealand
Croatia
Napa Valley, California
Tuscany, Italy
Oregon
Hunter Valley, Australia
Virginia

Featured Image: Okanagan Valley via Shutterstock