Okanagan Valley contender for top wine region in world

OKANAGAN – The Okanagan Valley is a top contender for USA Today’s 10 Best Wine Regions to visit.

The valley is up against world-renowned wine regions including Tuscany and Veneto, Italy; Nappa Valley, California; Rhone, France; and Marlborough, New Zealand.

“Having visited Nappa Valley and Tuscany I firmly believe the Okanagan Valley is equal, if not better than, either of those regions,” said Mayor Garry Litke.

The views and panoramas of the valley’s hills are “unparalleled,” he said.

“The sunsets reminds me of the afternoon light in Tuscany,” he said. “We’re very well situated to be on a world stage.”

“The Okanagan Valley is becoming much more recognized in global market,” said Tanya Martin, general manager of Blasted Church vineyard in Okanagan Falls.

She said the recognition is great for business and attracting tourists to the region to enjoy wines comparable to those in France and Italy.

Votes can be cast online until August 4, 2014.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Meaghan Archer at marcher@infotelnews.ca or call 250-488-3065. To contact the editor, email mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724.