Vancouver, B.C.—The total wine grape vineyard acreage in British Columbia has increased 4.1% to 10,260 acres, according to a report recently released by the British Columbia Wine Institute. Canada’s westernmost province is now home to 929 vineyards of which 67.2% are winery owned or leased. The most widely planted variety is Merlot, 1,563 acres, followed by Pinot Gris, 1,114 acres, and Pinot Noir, 1,073 acres. Pinot Noir replaced Chardonnay as the third most planted variety since the institute issued its last report in 2011. The Oliver region accounts for the largest share of the vineyards at 35.5%, and the greater Okanagan Valley is home to 84% of B.C.’s vineyards. The complete report can be found here: winebc.org