BC Bubbles are continuing their effervescent ascent! What better way to toast BC than with a glass of something fun (or serious!) and sparkling?
I don’t know the exact number of BC wineries making sparkling wine these days. But there’s no shortage: I’m guessing well over 100. It seems as if just about every one has at least one or two, if not more.
Back when BC wine was just getting its act together sparkling wines remained pretty well in the domain of three pioneers—Sumac Ridge, Blue Mountain Vineyards and Summerhill. Unquestionably, they paved the way for others, proving that sparkling wine was a natural for BC. The late Harry McWatters, founder of Sumac Ridge, was convinced that the central Okanagan climate was well-suited to produce excellent sparklers. And never missed a chance to promote them. As he liked to say, “sparkling wine is what I like to drink while deciding what I want to drink with dinner.”
A wealth of choice
Today’s landscape is a BC bubble lover’s paradise. Myriad options range from those classic, Méthode Champenoise wines to Charmat, carbon injected and other techniques. You can find one of the best guides to the various methods used here, on Haywire’s website. (Scroll down.)
From the Okanagan to the Kootenays, Fraser Valley and the Island, every wine region is making BC Bubbles—which are fast becoming a BC mainstay.
You might be excused for thinking that the onset of less labour-intensive and quicker-to-produce BC Bubbles could take away from the reign of traditional method wines. However, that doesn’t seem to be the case. In recent years, several wineries have launched impressive traditional method wines, ranging from Ailm (Quails’ Gate) to Seven Stars (Township 7), Bella, Fitzpatrick, Hester Creek, Lightning Rock, Noble Ridge, Unsworth and not a few others.
Enter Evolve redux
The most recent newcomer of note, Evolve Sparkling House just opened on the Naramata Bench—barely a cork’s pop from Poplar Grove!
I just had my first taste of these wines and was duly impressed. A dedicated ‘bubble emporium’ with dramatic lake views, Evolve Sparkling House is a natural ‘evolution’ for the owners of Time Family of Wines—and a bold salute to the winery’s storied origins.
Evolve was recently recognized at the 2025 All Canadian Wine Championships, with its Brut Nature 2018 winning Best Sparkling Wine. In addition, that wine scooped gold at 2025 WineAlign National Wine Awards, while Brut Rosé 2018 and Brut Premiere 2020 respectively won Gold at ACWC and Silver at London’s highly regarded International Wine & Spirits Competition.
These wins further bolster the reputation of Evolve winemaker Lynzee Schatz, already regarded as one of the valley’s accomplished ‘new generation’ winemakers. (It should be noted that 2018 was Time founder Harry McWatters’ last vintage. The 2018s were made by then winemaker Graham Pierce—while Schatz finished them.)
Okanagan born and raised Schatz previously made sparkling wine for powerhouse Chandon in Australia’s Yarra Valley. She says the recent wins emphasize her belief that BC bubbles can “stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Champagnes and some of the world’s best sparkling wines…”
Evolve archway
Here’s a snippet from the opening release that gives a sense of what Evolve Sparkling House is all about:
“Just minutes from downtown Penticton, with sweeping lake views, laid-back tasting flights, and three bookable experiences, including food-pairings crafted by Chef Bruno Terroso from OROLO Restaurant + Cocktail Bar, it’s a sparkling house built for discovery.”
Find out more here.
BC Bubbles of all kinds
Here’s a cross section of BC Bubbles currently available, with everything from top tier traditional method sparklers to very quaffable and worthy Charmat styles…
After 93 Vineyards Moscato Frizzante
After 93 is a brand new, legacy venture from the Gill family that celebrates their arrival in BC in 1993 and history of successful farming in the region. Today the family farms over 200 acres, from Osoyoos to Peachland and West Kelowna. After 93 is headed up by Sukhvir Gill, nephew of Mohan Gill, who owns Bordertown, where the wines are produced. After 93 wines are made from the best small lot selections—in this case on the west side of Osoyoos Lake. This is an appealing, gently off-dry frizzante with lots of verve. Forward orchard and stone fruit notes and lively bubbles precede a apricot and peach toned palate. 91 pts. Also well worth seeking out is the crisp, cranberry and rhubarb-toned Rosé. $30 – 90 pts.
Ailm Blanc de Blanc 2021 BC VQA Okanagan Valley
In the making for several years, Ailm is a vineyard and planned winery project by the Stewart family, owners of Quails’ Gate. The Gaelic inspired Ailm symbol represents strength and resilience, in this case a salute to the family’s Irish heritage and patriarch Richard Stewart Snr., who arrived in Kelowna in 1908. The fruit for this (100% Chardonnay) wine was grown on a new, north facing site in South Kelowna, on vines hit badly by the big freeze, now replanted. Aromas of orchard fruits and toasty notes precede a generous but elegant apple toned palate defined by creamy notes underpinned by perfectly balanced acidity with a lingering, zesty close. A serious, traditional method sparkler. $65 – 93 pts.
Evolve Brut Nature 2018 Okanagan Valley VQA
The components of 50% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir, and 10% Pinot Blanc were fermented separately before being blended, with no sugar adde. Aged five years on the lees. In the glass, firm mousse with persistent fine bubbles; loads of brioche (bready) and pith notes, precede a generous mouthfeel and structured, toasty palate of citrus and green apple before a lingering, dry finish. A superbly textured and well balanced sparkling wine. $49.99 93 pts. Also: Evolve Brut Premiere 2020 Okanagan Valley VQA (fine bubbles and a persistent mousse, with bread and almond notes, creamy, well textured palate, 91 pts) and 2018 Brut Rosé (92 pts,)
Unsworth Cuvée de l’Isle 2019 BC VQA Cowichan Valley
Winemaker Dan Wright has a definite knack with Pinot Gris and it certainly shows here, as he blends it with 13% Chardonnay for added backbone and complexity. This traditional method sparkler sports appealing brioche and orchard fruits up front with good mouthfeel and some creamy notes, before a palate apple and pear with citrus to finish. Definitely one of the more stylish takes on BC Pinot Gris we’ve encountered (and one of few BC Gris sparklers). $54.90 – 92 pts.
Unsworth Charme de L’Ile Rosé NV BC VQA Vancouver Island
‘Over the years this bubble has become something of an Island flagship—and the current release may well be one of the best yet. Bursting with red berry fruits—strawberry, cranberry and raspberry notes, wrapped in refreshing acidity through a crisp, dry close. $32.90 – 92 pts. Think cold cuts, liver paté, spicy hummus and more.
Narrative XC 2023 BC VQA Okanagan Valley
A perennial favourite from Haywire, this easy drinking bubble personifies summer in BC—although it’s also just fine year-round. With a lively mousse and strong stream of fine bubbles, with rhubarb, cherry and citrus notes it’s the perfect picnic partner. Oh, and it’s in screw-cap—should you somehow not be able to finish the bottle. Haywire is the pace-setter when it comes to smart, eco-sensitive packaging, as evidenced by this smart, light weight offering. Great value at $27.99, 92 pts.
Moon Curser Eclipse 2022 BC VQA Okanagan Valley
Moon Curser is known as a pre-eminent red wine producer, arguably making more single red varieties than anyone else in the valley. However, they also produce some pretty serious whites, including the Okanagan’s only Arneis, as well as a simply delicious Roussanne Marsanne blend (2024, 92 pts). Eclipse is the traditional method sparkling version of that blend and it’s a rarity, a truly unique BC bubble. Forward brioche, citrus, orchard fruit and honey notes, a creamy, layered, mineral toned palate through a zesty citrus close. $34.99 – 91 pts.
Les Dames Brut 2017 BC VQA Okanagan Valley
Lakeboat winemaker and General Manager Mireille Sauvé makes Les Dames wines as a fundraiser for Les Dames d’Escoffier. This blend of 70& Pinot Blanc, 30 percent Riesling was grown in the Sperling Organic vineyard, in Okanagan Mission (certified biodynamic / organic). This wine is a great indication of how well-made BC bubbles can age. Up front toasty and brioche notes with citrus hints, followed by mouth-filling palate of lemon and grapefruit pith notes through a lengthy close. Fresh and lively to the very end. $39.95, 92 pts.
Seven Stars Sirius 2016/17
Made by winemaker Mary McDermott, Township 7’s traditional method wines have been hailed as a major success almost since the day they were initially released, truly taking things to the next level. Top tier Sirius (Chardonnay and Pinot Noir) is sourced from the Langley, Fraser Valley vineyard. My most recent notes for the 2016 vintage (aromas of brioche and orchard fruits, with a firm mousse.. apple and citrus on the palate with textured, creamy mouthfeel and measured acidity.) Of note, the 2017 won Gold at this year’s Wine Align Nationals where it scored 92 pts. $79.99
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