Lillooet

Destination BC/Michael Bednar

Common Grape Varieties: Riesling, Pinor Noir, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay. Average Daily High Temperature (July): 28C Annual Hours of Sunshine: 1852 / Average Annual Rainfall: 322 mm Acreage: 51 / Soil Type: Silt, clay, loamy sand

Located on the southern tip of the Cariboo Chilcotin at an elevation of 230 metres, Lillooet may not immediately be on the lips of wine enthusiasts. But the area enjoys long, hot, dry summers not unlike the Okanagan Valley, making it ripe for grape growing and the future is promising.

Situated along the Fraser River, the community was formerly known as Cayoosh Flats. Vineyards were first planted relatively recently in 2004 and today there are about 30 acres of grapes supplying two wineries, the first of which opened in 2011.

Despite its small size, Lilloett has been recognized by the BC Wine Authority as a Geographical Indication in its own right.

It’s worth a visit to this teeny wine region as it is in close proximity to Whistler-Blackcomb and an easy drive to Vancouver. It offers unparalleled backcountry adventures, a farmer’s market, agritourism tours and golf.

BC WINERIES

Fraser River

LILLOOET

Cliff and Gorge Vineyards and Winery 18450 Texas Creek Road, Lillooet www.cliffandgorge.com

Seton Lake

LILLOOET

Fort Berens Estate Winery

Fort Berens Estate Winery Ltd. 1881 Highway 99 North, Lillooet Phone: 1-866-956-7768 www.fortberens.ca

Fraser River Texas Creek Rd Lytton Lillooet Hwy