What are the most common Okanagan grape varietals?
The Okanagan Valley (including Kelowna and West Kelowna) is known for a wide range of grape varieties, but a handful dominate plantings due to the region’s semi-arid climate, hot summers, cool nights, and diverse soils — conditions that produce concentrated flavors and excellent balance.
Most common grape varietals in the Okanagan (as of 2026):
Reds (about 55% of total plantings):
- Merlot — The #1 red grape — soft, plush, fruit-forward wines with plum, black cherry, and chocolate notes. Thrives in the valley’s warmth.
- Cabernet Sauvignon — Second most planted red — bold, structured wines with blackcurrant, cassis, and firm tannins. Loves the hot sites.
- Pinot Noir — Growing fast — elegant, lighter reds with cherry, strawberry, and earthy notes. Does especially well in cooler pockets.
- Cabernet Franc — Popular for blending and single-varietal — peppery, red fruit, often softer than Cab Sauv.
- Syrah — Rising star — spicy, dark fruit, meaty wines from warmer sites.
Whites (about 45% of total plantings):
- Pinot Gris — The top white — crisp, aromatic wines with pear, apple, and citrus — BC’s signature white style.
- Chardonnay — Versatile — from fresh and unoaked to rich, buttery barrel-fermented styles.
- Riesling — Excellent in cooler sites — aromatic, high-acidity wines from dry to off-dry/sweet, with lime, peach, and petrol notes.
- Gewürztraminer — Aromatic and spicy — lychee, rose, and tropical fruit — classic Okanagan aromatic white.
- Sauvignon Blanc — Growing — herbaceous, grassy, grapefruit-citrus styles.
Other notables:
- Pinot Blanc, Viognier, Ehrenfelser (local hybrid), and sparkling base grapes (for traditional method bubblies).
My take as a guide: On Red Dog tours, guests taste a great mix of these — Merlot and Pinot Gris are the most common pours, but the variety is what makes the Okanagan exciting. The climate gives our reds more ripeness than cooler regions and our whites bright acidity — a winning combination.
Red Dog Wine Tours visits wineries showcasing the valley’s top varietals — from classic Merlot to aromatic Gewürztraminer — all in one relaxed afternoon.
As of 2026, Merlot, Pinot Gris, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay remain the most planted — but Pinot Noir and Riesling are gaining ground fast.
Book Your Kelowna Wine Tour & Taste the Top Varietals → Contact Us for Varietal Recommendations →
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