Climate change has wrought havoc on ecosystems around the globe, but to winemakers in Canada, warmer weather is a welcome development.

A dream: becoming North America’s first native vintners

The higher temperatures, along with new techniques in viticulture, are enabling them to make quality wines – and now they are looking further north for expansion.

Meanwhile, a band of aboriginals in westernmost Canada’s arid Okanogan Valley is on the cusp of realising a decades-old dream: becoming North America’s first native vintners.

On the shores of Lake Osoyoos, near the border separating British Columbia province and the US state of Washington, the sun in scorching hot, the nights are cool and the soil is dry – perfect for growing wine.

Canadians have been producing varieties of Riesling, Pinot Noir and Cabernet grapes here – one of two main viticulture regions in the country – for 40 years.

Some 15 per cent of grapes produced in British Columbia come from thousands of acres of land belonging to the Osoyoos Indians.

The tribe also boasts the only winery in North America managed by aboriginals: the Nk’Mip Cellars.