Robert Bell's

Wines of Canada

Since 1992

Wines of the Okanagan

Kootenay Region

Creston Valley & our Skimmerhorn mountains, photo by Dave Heath

The Kootenay region stretches along Highway 3 from Grand Forks on the west to Creston on the east, and from the US border north to about Nelson. In microclimates throughout this area, grapes and other fruits are grown. This region has a considerable history of successful tree fruit production, with a climate in which early to midseason grape varieties will thrive.

The Columbia Gardens Vineyard and Winery is the first commercial sized vineyard and winery in the Kootenay region. In the early 1990's, Lawrence Wallace began researching the local climate in the Columbia Gardens and then decided to start a small experimental plot of vines in 1995. After several years of experimenting and research to determine the type of grape varieties suitable to this region's climate, with the help of many of our family members, friends and neighbours they proceeded to plant Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Auxerrois, Pinot Noir and Marechal Foch. These varieties were planted over a several year period to bring the vineyard to the commercial sized operation that it is today.

Skimmerhorn Valley was the next winery to open starting their vineyard in 2003. A new winery, Heron Ridge, a fruit winery specializing in blueberry wines has opened. Red Bird is the newest.

~ Baillie-Grohman Estate Winery
~ Columbia Gardens Vineyard and Winery
~ Heron Ridge
~ Mountain Soul Wines
~ Red Bird Winery
~ Skimmerhorn Valley
~ William Tell Family Estate
~ Wynnwood Cellars

The Wineries of the Kootenays

~ Osoyoos Lake Bench ~ The Golden Mile ~ Simillkameen Valley ~ Okanagan Falls ~ Skaha Lake
~ Naramata Bench Summerland and Peachland ~ Mount Boucherie ~ Kelowna and Lake Country
~ Northern ~ Kootenays ~ Thompson River Valley ~ Black Sage