Lillooet – click to enlarge
British Columbia – click to enlarge
The Lillooet wine region is an emerging wine-producing area in the Fraser Canyon along the Fraser River in British Columbia, Canada, and one of the oldest towns in the province. Lillooet is located at the southern tip of the Cariboo Chilcotin region, where the climate is very similar to the traditional grape-growing regions in the Okanagan Valley, with long, hot, dry summers and cold winters.
The area is along the stunning drive between Whistler and Kamloops, making it an ideal stop-off point for a welcome break on the way to the Rockies.
This rugged terrain provides an ideal environment for grape cultivation, with a focus on grape varieties that thrive in warmer climates. Some of the grape varieties grown in the Lillooet region include Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay, and Riesling.
Despite its relatively recent emergence as a wine region, Lillooet has quickly gained recognition for its high-quality wines, particularly its bold reds. Wineries in the area are known for their commitment to sustainable viticulture practices and small-batch production, resulting in wines that showcase the unique terroir of the region.
Visitors to the Lillooet wine region can enjoy wine tastings at local wineries, take in the breathtaking scenery of the Fraser Canyon, and explore the rich history and culture of this vibrant area. With its combination of stunning landscapes and exceptional wines, Lillooet offers a unique and memorable wine tourism experience.
