Explore a young wine region that's growing up fast

The wine scene in Canada's Okanagan Valley, an achingly gorgeous place with a long chain of lakes gleaming down the center, started heating up in the late 1980s, when Okanagan winemakers began replacing musky hybrid grapes (think jug wine) and replanting with high-quality European varietals. They tried everything, because of the unusually large range of temperatures and soils in the valley: In the south, it's desert-like; in the north, more like chilly Alsace—and there are 100 miles of microclimates in between. Nearly 60 varietals grow in the Okanagan now, making wine tasting there a whole lot of fun. Where else will you find South African Pinotage, German Riesling, Swiss Chasselas, Italian Sangiovese, and French Mourvèdre growing in such close proximity—and for the most part done well?

For specific winery recommendations, visit sunset.com/okanagan.