Pinot Noir now dominates B.C. wine country after freeze recovery
Following 2024 climate damage, the province replanted nearly 2,400 acres, with Pinot Noir emerging as the top variety.
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B.C.'s wine grape landscape has undergone a dramatic shift after surviving back-to-back climate crises. Pinot Noir now dominates the vineyards with 1,216 acres—a position earned through remarkable resilience rather than initial advantage.
The 2024 freeze wiped out most of that year's crop and forced removal of 2,490 acres from production in 2025. Yet nearly all that acreage—2,388 acres—was replanted in 2026, restoring the province's total to within 500 acres of 2023 levels. While full production will lag another two or three years, advances in viticulture and site selection suggest another significant jump in wine quality ahead.
Pinot Noir's rise reflects strategic investment from major producers. Martin's Lane, Spearhead, O'Rourke Family Estate, Meyer Vineyards, Blue Mountain, Quail's Gate, and CedarCreek are all committing heavily to the variety, which produces high-priced wines and has overcome the climate challenges that hit other varieties harder.
Merlot slipped to second place with 1,175 acres. Though the grape's potential in B.C. is significant, cheap international labels and local knock-offs have given it a less-than-fashionable reputation among consumers—a perception that is already beginning to shift.
Chardonnay (1,083 acres) and Cabernet Franc (1,033 acres) are climbing fast. Behind them: Pinot Gris (840), Cabernet Sauvignon (668), Riesling (432), and Syrah (350).
An exciting fringe is emerging too. Albarino, Verdejo, Marsanne, Roussanne, and Grüner Veltliner are appearing in small quantities, with early results sparking genuine excitement about B.C.'s capacity to experiment at the outer edge of what can grow here.