Unique Place. Unique People. Unique Wine.
The Similkameen Valley has been a fruit growing region for a century and a grape growing area for decades. With extraordinary growing conditions, and the passion of local growers, the region became recognized for producing excellent grapes, often used to enhance wines produced outside the valley. As awareness increased the growing area expanded and in the 1980s the first locally-operated wineries opened. Over the years the number of wineries grew as did the planted area of grapes which now approaches 800 acres.
As a result in 2009, Similkameen Independent Winegrowers banded together in an effort to further develop the local wine industry and raise awareness of the Similkameen Valley. Winegrowers had a relentless focus on producing quality wines and ciders that were representative of the region. Experts and wine lovers alike recognized the there was something special about these expressive, quality wines. Our wineries have been honoured with hundreds of awards, in Canada, the US and Internationally. The winegrowers have captured the spirit of the Similkameen in every bottle!
The secret is out. Once known as “One of the top 5 wine regions you have never heard of” (Enroute magazine) we have since been discovered! Our members have been charting a course for the future together and our refreshed branding is a reflection of who we are today, what we stand for now and where we are heading in the future.
There are currently 16 winery/cidery/distillery members of the Similkameen Independent Winegrowers. While we have common values and goals we also celebrate our diversity and the broad range of wines and ciders offered including an impressive range of highly rated award winning red, white, sparking and rose grape wines, and a spectacular array of award winning certified organic fruit wines and ciders.
We remain committed to delivering an authentic Similkameen experience through our wines and ciders in every bottle. Every time.
Open a bottle. Close your eyes. Savour the sip and visit the place we love.
Our Promise. Our Belief.
Respect and honour our land and express the gift of our rare terroir through our wines and ciders.
We believe our place, or our terroir, is not only created by the terrain, the wind, rain, water, and climate, but we strongly believe it also includes the people who tend the land and create the wines… the winegrowers. With values not unlike our pioneers – hard work, independence, calculated risk taking, innovation and a respect for the land – our vignerons have a relentless focus on creating excellent wines and ciders that best showcase each specific Similkameen vineyard or orchard. We tend and care for the land and the fruit, without sacrificing either. We strive to create a true Similkameen experience for our customers. Our members celebrate the diversity of our products that are unique but still reflective of the character of our people and place, authentically Similkameen – in every bottle. Unmasked, and real.
Our Name and Logo
Similkameen Independent Winegrowers
Our name, Similkameen Independent Winegrowers reflects our practices and what makes us unique, individually and as a group. Our members have strong commitments to each other, to the land and to producing quality products. At the same time, each winegrower works independently to interpret micro-conditions to create the best product, vineyard by vineyard, orchard by orchard. We recognize that we are different than other wine regions. We celebrate our size, our diversity. Our name reflects who we are and what we believe.
A splash in a glass
Our logo is a splash of terroir in a glass. With every sip you will find an expression of the Similkameen that comes from our land, our terrain, our water, our heat and sun and our people. It is soft and gentle yet bold and full of energy. We are in motion, never standing still. Taste our valley. Sip the Similkameen.
