While the modern era for the Wines of British Columbia began about 15 years ago, grapes have been grown and wine made here since 1859. Oblate missionary Father Charles Pandosy planted the first vineyard at the Oblate Mission near Kelowna with commercial grape production for wines starting in the 1920’s.

The modern era in British Columbia winemaking began in 1990 in response to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) between Canada and the United States. Less-desirable labrusca varieties were pulled out and the popular commitment to producing quality wines began with widespread premium vinifera plantings.

For the first time, in 2005, British Columbia’s premium wines (VQA) became the top-selling premium wine category in the province, selling more premium wine than any other region or country.

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