If you’re looking for one grape that consistently overdelivers in British Columbia, Syrah deserves your attention. Adaptable, expressive, and food-friendly, BC Syrah offers exceptional value across a wide range of styles.
BC Syrah or Shiraz? That is the question.
Born in Melbourne, I grew up pairing big, bold Shiraz with steak on the barbie. Now, living in the Okanagan, my palate has broadened to appreciate the elegance of Northern Rhône–style Syrah as well.
While BC is a small player on the world stage—just 550 acres planted—Syrah is one of the valley’s most exciting red grapes. To put that in perspective, Syrah/Shiraz covers about 460,000 acres worldwide (186,000 hectares), led by iconic regions such as:
- France (169,000 acres): Cornas, Hermitage, St. Joseph, Côte-Rôtie
- Australia (105,000 acres): Barossa, McLaren Vale, Limestone Coast
- Spain (49,000 acres): Priorat, Montsant, Toro, Yecla
- Argentina (32,000 acres): Mendoza, Salta
- South Africa (25,000 acres): Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschhoek
- United States (23,000 acres): Paso Robles, Santa Barbara, Napa, Sonoma, Columbia Valley (WA)
- Italy (17,000 acres): Tuscany, Sicily
- Chile (15,000 acres): Colchagua, Maipo Valley
In BC, Syrah ranks only as the fifth most planted red grape at about 10% of total red acreage—but make no mistake, this variety consistently punches above its weight, producing some of the province’s most distinctive and powerful wines.
If you are a Syrah novice, please read Madeline Puckette’s definitive summary – The Secrets to Syrah Wine.
These are the bottles that prove just how good — and affordable — BC Syrah can be.
Orofino Syrah 2019 ($28)
From a beautiful and cooler vintage comes another Similkameen Syrah. Grown on a single site up high above the river in Keremeos. Fermented with wild yeast, aged 16 months in French oak barrels (only 10% new) and then bottled unfiltered and with no fining agents added.
A fabulous elegant Syrah. A gorgeous nose with violet, black plum, blackberry, and a hint of pepper and earthy notes. The palate is medium-bodied, with high acid, medium integrated and smooth tannins, a melting pot of red and black fruit, pepper, a touch of cedar and minerality on the medium-length finish. 93 Points.
NK’Mip Cellars Qwam Qwmt Syrah 2018 ($35)
Alcohol %14.7 / pH 3.78 / TA 7.01 / RS 0.31
Aromas of blueberry, violets and spice. Flavours of black cherry, blueberry, plum, licorice, coffee and a hint of cigar. Dry, medium-full body and acid with fine-grained tannins that lead to a long and smooth structured finish. 91 Points
Clos du Soleil Winemaker’s Series Syrah 2021($39.90)
The Similkameen Valley grapes were picked from two vineyards: the Syrah from Blind Creek Vineyard, Cawston, and the Viognier from La Côte Vineyard, Keremeos.
“Hand-harvested at peak maturity, this wine’s grapes were gently de-stemmed, lightly crushed, and then fermented in our concrete fermenters. Destemmed Viognier grapes were co-fermented with the Syrah. Fermentation lasted for approximately 3 weeks before pressing in a basket press. The wine was then aged 16 months in French oak barrels (15% new). As in all Clos du Soleil wines, the focus was on attention to detail, minimal interventions, and the expression of terroir.” Michael Clark, Managing Director and Winemaker.
97% Syrah, 3% Viognier. 534 Cases produced.
Alcohol 14% / pH 3.75 / TA 6.22 / RS 0.1 g/L
An elegant Syrah with a gorgeous nose of violets, black plum, blackberry, a hint of pepper and sagebrush. The palate is medium-bodied, with medium acidity and silky smooth tannins. A melting pot of red and black fruit, pepper, dark chocolate and baking spice on the finish. 92 Points.
National Wine Awards of Canada Silver Medal. Alberta Beverage Awards – Judges’ Selection.
Winemaker’s CUT Syrah 2019 ($32)
Vineyards – Estate Vineyard, Deadman Lake Vineyard, Oliver BC.
Winemaking – Cold soaked for 2 days, wild/spontaneous stainless steel fermentation.
Free run press and full malolactic fermentation. 6 months in American, French and Slovakian oak.
Technical Data – 13.5% Alcohol, 3.8 pH, 7.1 TA, 1.3L RS, free SO2 14mg/L
A juicy, luscious, full-bodied BC Syrah that is deep garnet in colour. Decanting is recommended as it opens to beautiful aromas of black fruit, licorice, cured meat, and black pepper.
On the palate, the vibrant wine features ripe plum and blackberries, spice, and roasted beets. Medium-full-bodied and silky smooth with fine-grained tannins and spicy black fruit persisting on the refreshing finish. This Syrah is ready for long ageing. 92 Points
Vasanti 2022 Syrah
Sourced from East Bench Vineyard. Aged 24 months in 100% new American oak.
14.5% alc | TA 6.5 g/L | RS 0.04 g/L | 88 cases
A captivating Syrah that opens with a swirl of violets, exotic spice, black cherry, and ripe plum. On the palate, it’s bold and fruit-forward, layering black plum, blackberry, and black cherry with hints of caramel, licorice, and cracked pepper. The silky tannins glide into a long, powerful finish that lingers with savoury depth. 93 Points.
Make sure you check out Vasanti’s new Syrah/Cabernet Sauvignon Blend, Canvas, when it is released in the spring.
Moon Curser Syrah 2019 ($29)
15.1 % Alcohol. This is a bold, smooth and richly textured Syrah. Aromas of black fruit with floral notes and flavours of ripe blackberry & blueberry, some smoke and earthiness and light pepper. It is full-bodied yet lively on the palate with moderate tannin and good length. 92 Points.
GOLD MEDAL – 2021 All Canadian Wine Championships
Dirty Laundry Kay Syrah 2020 ($29.99)
95% Syrah, 5% Viognier with award-winning Syrah fruit from Oliver. Co-fermented with Viognier skins that have already had the juice pressed off. This technique echoes Syrah and Viognier’s heritage in the Rhone Valley in France. The co-ferment with Viognier helps to develop certain flavours and characteristics of the Syrah grape. The final blend goes through malolactic fermentation before ageing in French and American Oak barrels for 18 months.
14% Alcohol / pH 3.59 / TA 6.5 / RS 2.3
Aromas of violet, black cherry, cloves and nutmeg. On the palate, the full-bodied wine shows more black cherry, plum and dark chocolate with a hint of cracked black pepper. Silky smooth tannins, a round mouthfeel with a sensual peppery finish. Will age a further 5 years+. 91 points.
Lake Breeze Syrah 2020 (The 2021 vintage is $33)
The Naramata Bench Syrah is from a vineyard one kilometre south of the winery. The grapes were picked on October 29th and pressed on November 13, 2020. The wine was aged in French oak barrels for 18 months.
14% Alcohol. A deep, ruby, opaque red. The wine opens with the elegance of a Northern Rhône style Syrah. A gorgeous animated nose of violet, black plum, and blackberry, with a hint of pepper and earthy notes. The easy-drinking wine is dry and medium to full-bodied. Flavours of red and black fruit and savoury hints of olive, bacon fat, and white pepper. Vibrant acidity, soft dusty tannins and good length that will increase with age. Okanagan Syrah doesn’t get any better than this 2023 Wine of the Year. 94 Points.
Church and State Syrah 2019 ($40)
Fermentation and maceration in stainless steel tanks for 21 days. It was aged in French oak for 12 months.
Alcohol 14.5% |TA 5.4 gm/L | RS 2.8 gm/L
Aromas of red cherries with floral notes. Flavours of red cherries, raspberry, and black olives with notes of cranberries, green peppercorns and red currants. A smooth, bold mouthfeel and long finish. It’s an easy-drinking red for right now. 92 Points
Black Market Collusion Syrah 2024 ($34)
Vineyard: Rosebud Vineyard
Winemaking: The Syrah for this wine was aged 9 months in a 2nd fill 500L French oak puncheon and neutral 300L French oak barrels.
12.9% alc / pH 3.5 / TA 5.0 g/L / RS 0.4 g/L
Production: 95 cases
This is a bold Syrah with luscious aromas and flavours of Black Cherry, blackberry, blueberry, plum, and dark chocolate, backed by savoury baking spices and a hint of cracked black pepper. Full-bodied yet approachable, with soft, persistent tannins. 91 Points
Township 7 Benchmark Series Syrah 2020 (Wine Club Exclusive)
“This Syrah was made with fruit from the Fool’s Gold Vineyard on Tucelnuit Drive in Oliver. Farmed by Mark Antonello, the property was planted over a decade ago by his father-in-law, renowned viticulturist, Richard Cleave. Its rocky terrain lends complexity and minerality to the wine. The soils also help the fruit ripen fully by maintaining warmth throughout the cool autumn nights. An 18-day fermentation was performed in 2 oak fermenters and one stainless steel tank. Pigeage and delestage management of the grapes during fermentation enables rich fruit extraction. After pressing, the wine was aged for 24 months in French and American oak barriques for enhanced tannins and fruit.” Mary McDermott
Alcohol 13.5% | pH 3.56 | TA 6.1 g/l | RS 2.1 g/l | Vegan
A garnet-coloured wine with vibrant black fruit, violets and black pepper aromas. The medium-bodied Syrah has flavours of blackberry, black cherry, and chocolate, smooth tannins, a medium to long finish and is built to age. 92 points
Hester Creek Syrah EPIC ’22 ($29.99)
Winemaking: Crafted with a Côte‑Rôtie influence, the Syrah was co‑fermented with 7% Viognier, enhancing floral lift and integrating spice throughout. Fruit was hand‑sorted, destemmed, and then cold‑soaked for two days before fermentation.
Technical Specs: Alcohol: 14.6% | pH: 3.64 | TA: 5.93 g/L | RS: 0.1
Tasting Notes: It is another fantastic red from the 2022 vintage. It has full-on aromas of floral violets, cherry, and plum. The flavours are blackberry and juicy red cherry with just a hint of white pepper. A well-rounded mouthfeel, velvet-smooth tannins, and a long finish complete the profile. 92 Points.
Pairing & Ageing: Serve slightly cool with grilled lamb or venison. Decanting for 30 minutes enhances the floral and spice notes.
Chronos Syrah 2020 ($39.99)
The Syrah was fermented in 3 separate open-top tanks with daily punch-downs. It was then pressed and combined with French and American oak.
Alcohol 13.2% | TA 5.9 | pH 3.35 | RS 4.0
This elegant Syrah is ready to drink right now. It has delightful aromas of red cherry, blueberry, and herbs. On the palate, there are more cherry, blueberry, and coffee with a hint of baking spice. Silky fine-grained tannins lead to a lengthy finish. 92 Points.
Now for a BC Syrah for that special occasion.
Le Vieux Pin Équinoxe Syrah 2017 ($90)
The 2017 Équinoxe Syrah is composed of fruit from various sub-appellations in the South Okanagan Valley. It is a traditionally made Syrah because the sum exceeds the parts. The resulting wine is a complex wine with a medium+ garnet colour that effortlessly combines old-world and new-world styles.
2017 is a structured year. Harsh winter, late spring, and less-than-ideal weather initially lowered yields, making for an impressive Syrah vintage.
Full-bodied and fruit-forward, it is a cousin of the Aussie Shiraz I love from Rockford in the Barossa Valley. It has full-on aromas of floral violets, spice, black cherry, and plum. The flavours are raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, black cherry, and smoked meat, with black and white pepper notes. Smooth tannins and a long finish complete the profile. 94 Points.
You can expect those beguiling black olives and subtle notes to come to the foreground with age.
To finish the article, here is an exceptional Northern Rhône Syrah for comparative purposes.
Ferraton Père & Fils La Source /Saint Joseph
A pure Syrah red wine sourced from the Massif Central’s foothills on the Rhône River’s right bank. Partly aged in oak barrels for 12 months.
Ensure you aerate well before serving to allow the nose to open beautifully with aromas of smoked plums, espresso, black fruit and baking spices. Flavours of red fruits, smoked meat and licorice. The backbone of the wine is its minerality with chalky tannins punctuated by cedar, bay leaf, and cracked black pepper at the close. 92 Points
So what BC Syrah would you put on the Top 12 list for value? Just leave your comments below.
Notes
- Prices are rounded to the nearest $ and may vary between the winery and liquor stores.