Okanagan Valley is a well-known viticultural area part of the British Colombia wine region of Canada rich in wine history and one of the best fine wine producer in the country. The Okanagan Valley extends over 250 kilometres to the border with the United States, across sub-regions, each with distinct soil and climate conditions suited to growing a range of varietals from elegant reds to lively fresh and often crisp whites. Speciality is the Riesling mostly planted around the Lake Okanagan, from which the area takes its name. Other grapes which are successfully bred here are Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Gris and Merlot. The climate is continental relatively dry, which is favourable for the vine growing, the valley is sandwiched between the Columbia Mountains and the Cascade Mountains sheltering it from the Pacific and Arctic winds. The Valley has four official sub-regions, each with different soil and climate conditions: Golden Mile Bench, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Falls and Skaha Bench. It is more to be seen in future from this Canadian fine wine region.