Okanagan Valley Wine Question

Hi all! I have also posted this question else where in hopes to get an answer, but I hope someone is familiar with the wine from the Okanagan Valley, especially the Golden Mile area. Several years ago during a visit to Vancouver I particularly fell in love with the velvety textured, robust wine made in this region. Afterward, I sadly learned that Canadian wines are not sold in America (whatever happened to the American dream?!). It just dawned on me, however, that the wine region in Washington state may be similar to that of British Columbia. I was wondering: 1.) Does anyone know if this hunch is true, especially with regards to the Golden Mile area? 2.) If it is true, does anyone have any recommendations of Washington state wines that can stand next to the wines coming from the Golden Mile area?

Along these lines but in a different direction: 3.) does anyone know of other wines that might be similar to the Okanagan Valley region, while not necessarily being from Washington? Lastly, 4.) are there any loopholes in purchasing Canadian wines from America (besides using a friend who lives in Canada, or flying there myself)?

Much thanks!
-Aaron

There really isn't much in common between BC and WA wines, so it's almost impossible to try to extrapolate to suggest wineries in WA given your interest in BC wines. The main WA wine regions (e.g., Yakima Valley, Red Mountain and Walla Walla) are MUCH hotter and dryer than the Okanagan, and so their wines are usually richer and riper than in BC. And the different climate means that in Canada, whites are usually the best bet, or at least early ripening reds (e.g., pinot, cabernet franc), whereas in WA Bordeaux varieties and syrah are king.

The wineries in BC (and Ontario) are relatively small, and almost exclusively make wine for the local market (only ice wines are commonly found in international locations), so it's extremely rare to find any Canadian still wines outside of the country.

So basically, I'm afraid the only way to feed your affection for BC wines is with another trip to BC!

oddly, it is illegal to ship BC wines to other provinces. however, if you could get a BC winery to ship them to the US, this is NOT against US law. the only real problem is that the wine shipment has to clear customs; and that may be a long way from your home. if not, it is just a matter of some paperwork and paying a small amount of duty. it works well for me from france and should work from canada too. check it out.

I do not think it is legal to ship wine from BC to the US. I just checked two winery websites (Burrowing Owl and Quail's Gate), and both stated they were not allowed to ship to the US. I suspect no wineries can do so.