Site selection is an important and vital step in developing a successful vineyard. Climate is the most important factor in determining a site’s suitability for growing grapes.  If the climatic conditions that are necessary for producing good quality grapes are not met, there is nothing that can be done by the grape grower to modify or change the “weather” to suit. 

The purpose of this research is to examine the mesoclimate of the Okanagan Valley to identify areas that are suitable for growing grapes. Three mesoclimatic factors were considered: solar radiation, growing degree days and slope.  The issue of irrigation was also addressed by including only those areas that are currently serviced by water purveyors in the region.