There are more than 300 wineries located throughout British Columbia, meaning there are ample opportunities to taste the terroir, hard work, and vision of this province’s viticulture. It also means, at times, there can be a feeling of overwhelm: with so many options, how can one possibly choose?

For starters, consider this list of notable wineries throughout BC—from the famed winemaking region of the Okanagan to the sleepy Gulf Island of Denman. As the days slowly but surely get longer, it’s the perfect time to start planning a spring or summer visit.

FOR THE ARCHITECTURE: MARTIN'S LANE WINERY (KELOWNA)

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Martin’s Lane Winery—which, notably, only makes pinot noir and riesling—is a true sight to behold. Designed by famed architect Tom Kundig, the winery is an aesthetic marvel, with a jagged exterior of concrete, glass, and Corten steel. Inside, the tasting area feels akin to a Manhattan apartment, with contemporary furniture, curved wooden walls, and a dramatic interplay of light and shadow.

FOR THE VIEW: POPLAR GROVE WINERY (PENTICTON)

Perched on the Naramata Bench, Poplar Grove is perfectly situated on a slope overlooking the shimmering Lake Okanagan. Grab a seat on the onsite restaurant’s patio for an excellent farm-to-table meal and, as the sun sets, watch as the sky turns candy pink.

FOR THE EURO VIBES: OROFINO VINEYARDS (CAWSTON)

The idyllic Similkameen Valley is home to Orofino: Canada’s first strawbale winery, with an earthy colour palette and sprawling patio—perfect for enjoying a glass of 2021 Reserve Syrah. Need a place to spend the night? Consider Orofino’s onsite one-bedroom suites, complete with free bottle of wine and breathtaking vineyard views.

FOR THE FUN EXPERIMENTALS: RED BARN WINERY (OLIVER)

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Those seeking something a little different should head to Red Barn, where the goal is to make wines that colour outside the lines. With a focus on experimentation and a healthy dose of rebellion, the products here are as bold as they are delicious. Take the 2023 Discordian White Blend: a mix of sauvignon blanc, pinot gris, chardonnay, pinot blanc, and riesling was fermented and aged in concrete and stainless barrels, boasting notes of candied pineapple, green tea, and white flowers.

FOR THE COMMITMENT TO THE LAND: NK'MIP CELLARS (OSOYOOS)

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Down in the South Okanagan region sits Nk’Mip Cellars: North America’s first Indigenous-owned winery. With an unflinching dedication to quality, Nk’Mip blends Indigenous knowledge with modern winemaking practices. The result? Truly great wines, such as the 2023 Dreamcatcher (a crisp, refreshing white blend of ehrenfelser, riesling, sauvignon blanc, and pinot blanc) and the 2022 Talon (a rich, deep red blend of syrah, cabernet sauvignon, malbec, and cabernet franc). After a tasting, head to the onsite Sweetgrass restaurant, which offers a mix of Indigenous dishes (such as rabbit pie) and classic bistro options.

FOR THE GLIMPSE OF BC'S GOLD RUSH: FORT BERENS ESTATE WINERY (LILLOOET)

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Lillooet’s first winery is a mighty one. Fort Berens makes its award-winning wines from sagebrush-covered vineyard grapes, leading to a terroir that is truly found nowhere else. Located on the Gold Rush trail of the 1860s, Lillooet is steeped in history, and Fort Berens is proud to share it. Even today, on the rocky banks of the nearby Fraser River, it’s not uncommon to spot someone panning for gold.

FOR THE OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH DISCOVERY: CORLAN VINEYARD & FARM (DENMAN ISLAND)

The Gulf Islands might not be the first place one thinks of when it comes to BC wine, but sleepy Denman is home to Corlan: a fully certified organic vineyard, winery, and farm that is very much worth the trek. Don’t be fooled by the cheers-ing sheep on the label: this wine is not gimmicky. Try the Eagle Rock Rosé for something truly crushable.

FOR OUTDOOR SIPPING: BEAUFORT VINEYARD & ESTATE WINERY (COURTENAY)

As Vancouver Island’s first certified organic winery, Beaufort Vineyard has plenty to boast about in the bottle. Grab one (or two) and enjoy the Comox Valley’s stunning vistas from a shaded picnic table. Bring a picnic and stay all day—it’ll be hard not to.