British Columbia (BC) is one of Canada’s most famous ice wine regions, second only to Ontario. The province’s unique climate and geography create perfect conditions for grapes to grow, harvested at peak sweetness, and produce some of the world’s finest ice wines.
This article will explore the best ice wines in British Columbia, covering their history, production methods, grape varieties, tasting notes, and top wineries. Whether you’re an experienced wine lover or new to the world of ice wine, this guide will provide you with valuable insights into the best of British Columbia.
What’s so special about BC ice wine?
BC’s ice wines are prized for their balance of sweetness and acidity, with rich, complex flavors that are both intense and refreshing. The high quality of BC ice wines stems from several factors:
Climate and terroir
British Columbia’s wine regions, especially the Okanagan Valley and the Similkameen Valley, experience cold winters with temperatures below -8°C (17°F), a necessary temperature for harvesting ice wine grapes. Warm summers allow the grapes to fully ripen, developing a rich flavor before the freezing process enhances their natural sweetness.
Production Process
True ice wine is made from grapes that have been naturally frozen on the vine. The frozen grapes are usually hand-picked in December or January and pressed while frozen. This process extracts only the concentrated juice, leaving behind ice crystals, resulting in a highly concentrated, sweet wine with a sharp acidity.
Grape Varieties
BC’s ice wines are made from several grape varieties, each with its own unique flavor profile:
Riesling – Known for its bright acidity and citrus notes, Riesling Ice Wine is one of British Columbia’s most popular wines.
Vidal – A hybrid grape that thrives in cold climates, Vidal Ice Wine has a rich taste with honey-like tropical fruit flavors.
Cabernet Franc – A red grape variety that produces a unique ice wine with flavors of red berries, spices, and florals.
Chardonnay – Less common but highly refined, Chardonnay Icewine has notes of baked apple, pear and vanilla.
Top BC Icewine
1. Mission Hill Reserve Riesling Icewine
Located in the Okanagan Valley, Mission Hill Family Estate is one of British Columbia’s most prestigious wineries. Their Reserve Riesling Icewine is outstanding, with aromas of honey, apricot and citrus. The palate is rich and balanced, with notes of peach, honeycomb and bright acidity, and just the right amount of sweetness.
Food Pairing: Blue cheese, lemon tart or crème brûlée.
2. Inniskillin Okanagan Vidal Icewine
Inniskillin is one of Canada’s most famous icewine producers, and their Vidal Icewine from the Okanagan Valley is worth a try. With notes of ripe mango, lychee and honey, this wine has a smooth mouthfeel and a long finish.
Food Pairing: Foie gras, spicy Asian dishes or fresh fruit.
3. Quails’ Gate Riesling Icewine
Family-owned winery Quails’ Gate in West Kelowna produces an exceptional Riesling Icewine with rich green apple, lime zest and honeysuckle aromas. The wine’s natural acidity balances the sweetness, making it an elegant choice.
Food Pairing: Strong aged cheddar, vanilla panna cotta or fruit sorbet.
4. Tantalus Old Vines Riesling Icewine
Tantalus Vineyards is known for sustainable grape growing and high-quality Riesling. Their Old Vines Riesling Icewine is made from British Columbia’s oldest Riesling vines and offers layered aromas of candied citrus, jasmine and honeyed apricots.
Food Pairing: Spicy Thai curry, almond cake or toasted nuts.
5. Peller Estates Signature Series Cabernet Franc Icewine
For red icewine lovers, Peller Estates’ Cabernet Franc Icewine is their first choice. With notes of wild strawberry, raspberry and a hint of spice, this wine is deep ruby red in color and has a sweet taste.
Food Pairing: Dark chocolate, duck confit or berry desserts.
How to Serve and Enjoy BC Icewine
Serving Temperature
BC Icewine should be served well chilled, preferably at 8-12°C (46-54°F). This enhances the freshness and acidity while keeping the sweetness balanced.
Glassware
A small white wine glass or dessert wine glass is ideal for serving Icewine as it helps concentrate the aromas and direct the wine to the right place on the palate.
Aging Potential
While most Icewines drink well when young, some high-quality BC Icewines, especially Riesling and Cabernet Franc, can be aged for 10-20 years. Over time, the flavor changes, developing a stronger caramel flavor while maintaining its unique acidity.
Where to Buy BC Icewine
Local Wineries and Wine Shops
Many wineries in British Columbia offer ice wines, which can be purchased directly from the tasting room or online. Some of the best places to buy include:
Mission Hill Family Estate (West Kelowna)
Quail’s Gate Winery (West Kelowna)
Tantalus Vineyards (Kelowna)
Neo Okanagan (Oliver)
Peller Estate (Kelowna)
Online Retailers
BC Icewine can be shipped internationally through the following retailers:
BC Liquor Store
Wine.com
Viveno
Conclusion
A true jewel of Canadian winemaking, BC Icewine strikes a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, making it a versatile and luxurious wine. Whether you prefer classic Riesling and Vidal Icewine or explore unique options like Cabernet Franc, BC’s wineries produce some of the best ice wines in the world.
From pairing ice wine with food to understanding aging potential, this guide gives you everything you need to appreciate and enjoy the best BC Icewine. Whether you’re a casual wine lover or a seasoned connoisseur, a glass of BC Icewine is always a pleasurable experience.
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