Understanding Wine Labels

British Columbia Canada Wine Classification

Understanding wine labels and the BC VQA designation for Okanagan and British Columbia wine is really very simple.

The BC Wine Institute (BCWI) was established in 1990 to supervise and control wine production standards, to act as a marketing association for the BC wine industry.

They have adopted the Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) seal of approval to wines that pass a taste test and chemical analysis, to ensure a wine that meets certain quality requirements.

History Of BC Wineries & Wine Making

Grape growing in the Okanagan really originated in the mid 1800's when the first orchards and vineyards were established in the Central Okanagan, Kelowna, area. It is the largest and oldest grape growing region in BC.

Commercial wine making began with the opening of the Okanagan's first vineyard, Calona Vineyards, in 1931. From 1984, when there were only 13 wineries operating in the entire province, to today, where there are over 150 wineries in the Okanagan Valley alone and the South Okanagan, BC wine country, claims the highest concentration of wineries in British Columbia.

The grape growing area just south of Oliver BC is called the Golden Mile, named for the agricultural richness of the land. This area holds 10% of Canadian wineries and about 60% of British Columbia's grape-growing acreage.

BC VQA - Vitners Quality Alliance

The VQA, or Vintners Quality Alliance, symbol on British Columbia Canada wine bottles ensures you that you are purchasing 100% BC wine of a designated quality production, content, varietal percentage, appellation, and vintage.

Standards set out by the VQA govern grape growing and commercial wine production in the province, and in Canada. It is a method of wine classification, by appelation of origin, of the grapes from which Candian wines are made.

The VQA standard is government sanctioned and is regulated in BC by the British Columbia Wine Authority (BCWA).

How BC VQA Wine Classification Works

In order to qualify for the VQA designation, BC and Okanagan wineries must meet some rigorous standards. Wines produced must be 100% vinifera and all the grapes must be from BC.

This, however, doesn't mean that wines without this symbol aren't good quality. Paricipation in the Vitners Quality Alliance program is voluntary.

VQA Wine Standards are based on:

• Estate bottled wine - Can only be labeled such on wines made exclusively from grapes grown, produced and bottled on an estate winery.
• Geographic region - Only wines made from grapes grown exclusively in a specific region can display the name of the region on a wine label.
• Labeling Guidelines - Determines if a wine is to be labeled as a single varietal, varietal blend or vintage dated.
• Quality standards - Sets minimum brix levels and acceptable wine making practices.
• Vineyard designation - Only grapes grown exclusively from a designated vineyard can be named on a wine label.
• Wine category Determines how the wine is made and labeled, for example, Table Wine, Icewine, Sparkling, Fortified or Liqueur.
Labeling regulations also control the use of Geographic Indicators.

Some of the most popular white wines produced in British Columbia and the Okanagan include Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer, and Riesling.

And some of the most popular types of red wines include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and red Pinot Noir.