As an online lifestyle and business magazine focused exclusively on all things Okanagan, we’re all about strengthening our tourism industry. From exceptional culinary scenes, iconic experiences, and stellar retail offerings, we love promoting the incredible brands and businesses our valley has to offer, especially when there is truly so much to discover.

That’s why we at Editors’ Picks Okanagan are thrilled that Destination BC has launched a new brand name for our region: Valleys & Vineyards.

In short, it’s a tailored subset of the Super, Natural British ColumbiaⓇ (SNBC) brand family based entirely around the Thompson-Okanagan. And it is also one of the biggest tourism brand launches in our province’s history… So you know we’ve got our thumb on the pulse!

As SNBC states, “Valleys & Vineyards is a generous land of lush valleys in the southern interior of British Columbia. It is defined by the Okanagan and Similkameen valleys, featuring Canada’s unique ‘pocket desert,’ rolling hills, fertile orchards, and expansive lakes like Okanagan and Osoyoos. Volcanic soils nourish renowned vineyards and thriving agricultural communities.”

We couldn’t have said it any better ourselves! 

Our region is such a unique spectacle when it comes to BC’s beautiful geography. When you view the entire province on a map, it’s truly extraordinary how this small sliver of the Okanagan captures the heat necessary to grow premium Canadian grapes.

Our deep, cooling lakes and thriving soils offer some of BC’s best growing conditions for our beloved stonefruits, orchards, and bountiful farms all along the region, giving the Okanagan culinary scene a strong foundation for farm-to-table cuisines. Paired with a diverse range of wines, beers, ciders, and spirits, you taste the exceptional terroir in every bite.

It’s only fitting that we receive our own geographical indicator.

Have you ever run into someone who just discovered our region? Oftentimes they say something along the lines of, “I had no idea this place even existed.” Whether they wander through our valley thanks to a recommendation from family or friends, or travel here for conferences and other events, there is something so unexpected about this place. It’s like stumbling upon the banks of Tuscany in a hinterland known for snowy Decembers and alpine conditions. 

Either that or images associated with British Columbia often include Vancouver’s cityscape, the salty waves crashing against our rocky shores, endless ponderosa pine forests and the beauty of our hidden rainforest—but not always the desert conditions and stunning waters found amongst our valley.

The Okananagan’s rolling vineyard hills and lush greenery shock as much as they delight, inviting guests to stop, breathe, and stay a while—discovering unlimited gems. Whether it’s exploring the sleepy, quaint Naramata village, or the thrilling, adventure-junkie searching for mountain biking and backcountry through-hikes in beautiful areas like Okanagan Falls, the serene wilderness right outside our backdoor deserves an international spotlight—which Valleys & Vineyards promises to bring.

So we couldn’t be more thrilled by this exciting new venture for our tourism partners. 

No matter your style, the Okanagan just invites you to stop, breathe, sip, savour, and stay a while… easily falling in love with the energy coursing throughout our region. This latest venture by Desitination BC allows our area to shine even more, bringing bigger recognition to all that we have to offer. 

We look forward to seeing all the ways this helps our valley grow!

XX,

Your Okanagan Curators