Rise of Organic Viticulture in the Okanagan

With more than 150 wineries in the region, the Okanagan Valley has become well-known for its outstanding wines and wine experiences. A growing trend is set to put the Okanagan on the wine map in a new way - as one of the leading producers of organic wines in the world!

Organic viticulture and winemaking is certainly nothing new to the region, with producers like Summerhill Pyramid Winery and Beaumont Family Estate producing organic wines for more than 20 years, however, with the recent transition from producers like Mission Hill Family Estate Winery and CedarCreek Estate Winery, the number of organic vineyards has dramatically increased. By the end of 2021, the Okanagan is expected to have 20% of its 8,800 acres of vineyards certified organic, which far outpaces the global organic production rate of approximately 3.6%.

With the overall trend moving towards a more sustainable lifestyle, consumers are looking for simple ways to reduce their impact, including their wine choices. In fact, the global consumption of organic wine doubled between 2012 and 2017 and continues to increase today.