Laughing Stock Vineyards named Winery of the Year at BC’s Top 50 Wines 2026

British Columbia’s wine industry just had one of its biggest quality check-ins of the year, and the results make one thing clear: BC wine is operating at an impressively high level.

Wine Growers British Columbia and the Okanagan Wine Festival Society have announced the 2026 BC’s Top 50 Wines, a province-wide celebration of the bottles, wineries, and winemakers currently setting the standard across British Columbia.

Following a blind tasting held in Kelowna, this year’s list recognizes excellence across regions, varietals, and styles, reinforcing just how far BC’s wine scene has evolved.

Laughing Stock Vineyards Takes Top Honours

For 2026, one winery stood out above the rest.

Wine of the Year: Laughing Stock Vineyards Syrah 2023
Winery of the Year: Laughing Stock Vineyards

For many BC wine lovers, the recognition feels well deserved. Known for precision winemaking and polished, terroir-driven wines, Laughing Stock continues to prove why the Okanagan remains one of Canada’s most compelling premium wine regions.

Why BC’s Top 50 Matters

Unlike popularity contests or sales-driven rankings, BC’s Top 50 is built on blind tasting, one of the most respected ways to judge wine quality.

This year’s panel included some of British Columbia’s respected wine professionals, including Chef Mark Filatow, Rhys Pender, Arnica Rowan, Geoff Moss, and Barb Wild.

That matters because it strips away branding and reputation, putting the focus squarely on what is in the glass.

“BC’s Top 50 shows a wine industry operating with real precision, intent, and confidence,” said Jeff Guignard, CEO of Wine Growers British Columbia. “These are premium wines with a strong sense of place, and they reflect a region that is rapidly earning its place on the global stage.”

“The strength of this program is the blind tasting process. Wines are assessed independently by experienced judges, providing consumers and trade with a clear, reliable guide to quality bottles across BC,” added Annika Betts of the Okanagan Wine Festival Society.

BC Wine Is a Serious Economic and Tourism Force

Beyond the bottles themselves, the broader industry impact is significant.

According to Wine Growers British Columbia, BC’s wine industry contributes approximately $3.75 billion annually to the provincial economy, generates more than $440 million in federal and provincial tax revenues, and supports more than 14,000 full-time workers.

BC wine tourism also draws an estimated 1 million visitors annually, with $452 million in tourism-related revenue and $147 million in wages across 2,615 tourism-related jobs.

For consumers, lists like BC’s Top 50 offer a practical guide to standout bottles. For the industry, it is another reminder that British Columbia wine is no longer an emerging category. It is an established premium player.

A Province Worth Watching

From the Okanagan Valley to Vancouver Island, Similkameen, Fraser Valley, and beyond, BC wineries are producing wines with serious range and regional identity.

The 2026 BC’s Top 50 Wines list highlights more than just winners. It reflects a province continuing to sharpen its voice in wine.

For those looking to drink more locally, support BC producers, or simply discover standout bottles, this year’s Top 50 is a strong place to start.

Read the full BC’s Top 50 Wines list at WineBC.com.