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GOLDEN MILE BENCH Wine Country
Golden Mile Bench Wine region
The next step for understanding the terroir of BC is to create official sub-regions, known as sub-geographical indications (sub-GI) within the large area of the Okanagan Valley geographical indication. Sub-GIs demonstrate unique climates, soil types and the resulting wine styles. The Golden Mile Bench was the first sub-GI, created in 2015 within the Okanagan Valley wine region followed by Okanagan Falls, Naramata Bench and Skaha Bench. Expect additional sub-GIs in the coming years.
Located on the western slope of the valley south of Oliver and across from the Black Sage Bench, the Golden Mile Bench’s southerly aspect provides a warm climate. Its location on the west side of the valley it gets morning, rather than afternoon sunshine, making it a cooler region than its eastern neighbour.
A wine made exclusively from grapes grown in the sub-GI can use the term Golden Mile Bench as a Geographical Indication on a BC VQA Wine label. It’s the location the grapes are grown, rather than the location of the winery that is relevant.
FACT: Average 1,385 growing degree days.
FACT: Well-drained fluvial fans of stony gravelly sandy loams or gravelly loamy sands.
BC’s First Official Sub Region established in 2015, marking the start of the next evolution in the history of BC wine production.
Fun Fact
GOLDEN MILE BENCH
WINERIES
Exploring British Columbia’s vineyards reveals the unique terroir & diverse varietals flourishing in this picturesque Canadian province.
Golden Mile Bench
Golden Mile Bench
Golden Mile Bench
Golden Mile Bench
Golden Mile Bench
Golden Mile Bench
Golden Mile Bench
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MORE BC WINE REGIONS
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Acres Planted
222
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Fraser Valley
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Lillooet
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One of the oldest towns in the province, Lillooet is located at the southern tip of the Cariboo Chilcotin region of British Columbia. The climate is very similar to the traditional grapegrowing regions in the Okanagan Valley with long, hot, dry summers. However, nights are cooler, making average summer temperatures slightly lower than the Okanagan, but at the same time preserving the fresh crisp acidity in the wines.
Gulf Islands
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On Vancouver Island, grape winemaking really began after a provincial government-funded trial – the Duncan Project – identified Pinot Gris, Auxerrois and Ortega as promising varieties for this unique seaside environment.
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