Top 10 : Best Value BC Whites Part 1

So much so that we had enough to split the list into two parts, the second part will run next week. We decided to organize the lists by classic grapes, and another with grapes that are less mainstream, but no less enjoyable. 

A common adage is that the true test of a winemaker is the least expensive wine they make, not the priciest. So, it’s not a surprise to see several leading wineries show up here.

Generally, these also seem to be well-established wineries, with few new entrants to be found. That’s not altogether unexpected. The steep cost of land today, especially in the Okanagan, is reflected in escalating bottle prices among new producers. In contrast, price increases among industry leaders are often exceedingly modest.

According to the GOW database, Tantalus Riesling has increased by a whopping $1.84 in 14 years. Blue Mountain’s Sauvignon Blanc was priced at $18 per bottle for years before taking a much-deserved price increase with the 2018 vintage. As an aside, a French producer once told me that customers will always be upset by a price increase, regardless of the amount. So, it’s better to take periodic, large price increases as opposed to incremental increases year after year.

BC’s diversity of grape varieties is also a boon for local wine drinkers. Eleven different white grapes show up between these two lists, representing a broad range of styles. If we look closer, the trends are similar to our top international whites under $20. The majority of these wines are unoaked, and less popular varieties prevail.

Our more classic list revolves around some pleasing chardonnays, sauvignons blancs, and pinot gris that are worth every penny (and more) for the price.

Once again, here were our ground rules for selecting the wines:

• Available direct from the winery for about $25 or less
• Currently available for purchase at the winery (several wines didn’t make the list because they’re sold out)
• We, of course, had to taste the wine - no vintage substitutions

91/100Blue Mountain Estate Cuvée Sauvignon Blanc 2019Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

91/100LaStella Leggiero Chardonnay 2019Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

90/100Mission Hill Reserve Meritage White 2019Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

90/100Culmina Family Estate R and D Chardonnay 2019Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

90/100Clos du Soleil Grower's Series Pinot Blanc Middle Bench Vineyard 2019Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, Canada

89/100Hillside Un-oaked Pinot Gris 2019Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

89/100Pentâge Winery Gewurztraminer 2017Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

89/100Meyer Chardonnay 2019Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

89/100Terravista Viognier 2019Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

89/100Narrative Viognier 2018Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada