Discover
GOLDEN MILE SLOPES Wine Country
Golden Mile Slopes Wine region
Situated just below and then continuing south of the Golden Mile Bench Sub-GI, the Golden Mile Slopes GI is an area of around 600 hectares on the footslopes of the alluvial fans and above the Okanagan River flood plain to the east. The area includes the vineyards around Deadman Lake, a kettle lake formed from a large block of ice falling off a retreating glacier. Approximately 165 hectares (408 acres) of vineyards are planted with around 60% red varieties.
Located on the west side of the valley the area receives plentiful morning sun with shading from Mount Kobau in the late afternoon. The GI shares the typically warm climate of the South Okanagan with cooling night-time breezes descending from Mount Kobau helping to retain fresh acidity. Away from any moderating effects of the valley lakes, the area of the Golden Mile can be prone to extremes of both heat in summer and potentially cold in the winter months.
The landscape was formed from deposits of glacial meltwater and is predominantly made up of glaciofluvial sands and gravels along with alluvial fan deposits. The Golden Mile Slopes Sub-GI excludes the floodplain of the Okanagan River which is poorly suited to viticultural production due to high water table and shoulder season frosts. The vineyards are situated on coarse-textured, stony soils.
The range of grape varieties includes Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Syrah for reds with Pinot Gris and smaller plantings of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Gewurztraminer. Merlot and Cabernet Franc make up 45% of the acreage with Pinot Gris 13% being the other main variety.
FACT: Average 1,385 growing degree days
FACT: Coarse textured, stony soils. Plentiful morning sun with breezes from Mount Kobau helping wines to retain fresh acidity.
Nightly katabatic winds from Mount Kobau cool the vineyards, preserving fruit acidity after sunny days of ripening.
Fun Fact
GOLDEN MILE SLOPES
WINERIES
Exploring British Columbia’s vineyards reveals the unique terroir & diverse varietals flourishing in this picturesque Canadian province.
Summerland
Langley / Aldergrove
Penticton
EXPLORE
MORE BC WINE REGIONS
The Okanagan Valley
10,920
Acres Planted
222
Licensed Grape Wineries
With an ever-changing panorama, the valley stretches over 250 kilometres, across sub-regions, each with distinct soil and climate conditions suited to growing a range of varietals from sun-ripened reds to lively fresh and often crisp whites.
Kootenays
117
Acres Planted
5
Licensed Grape Wineries
Located in the southeastern corner of British Columbia, the Kootenay region is home to pristine rivers, lakes, waterfalls, beaches, mineral hot springs, alpine meadows and snow-capped mountains.
Shuswap
107
Acres Planted
9
Licensed Grape Wineries
Wines have been produced here since 1997, predominately of cool climate varieties, which is understandable as it is one of the most northerly grapegrowing regions in North America.
Thompson Valley
93
Acres Planted
4
Licensed Grape Wineries
Nestled amongst the natural beauty of the North and South Thompson Rivers in and around Kamloops, the rain shadow of the high coastal mountains, the semi-arid conditions and diverse microclimates provide many creative options for our winemakers to shine.
The Similkameen Valley
768
Acres Planted
22
Licensed Grape Wineries
The Similkameen Valley is a pristine stretch of vineyards, set amongst the dramatic backdrop of rugged and awe-inspiring mountains. Considered the “organic capital of Canada”, the area is known for small farms and producers dedicated to creating quality produce, delectable foods, and award-winning wines.
Fraser Valley
194
Acres Planted
42
Licensed Grape Wineries
Encompassing Vancouver, Surrey, Richmond, New Westminster to Delta, Langley, Aldergrove and Abbotsford in the east, the Fraser Valley wine region is dedicated to producing high quality, handcrafted wines with diverse varieties and styles: from unique fruit wines to delicious sparkling wines to fresh, fruit-forward table wines to fortified.
Lillooet
51
Acres Planted
2
Licensed Grape Wineries
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
110
Acres Planted
12
Licensed Grape Wineries
A vibrant community of wine producing islands – Salt Spring, Pender, Saturna, Quadra, Gabriola, Hornby, Denman – offer a glimpse into an easygoing lifestyle that allows time to savour the quiet moments with a fitting variety of unpretentious wines.
Vancouver Island
321
Acres Planted
23
Licensed Grape Wineries
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.
Newsletter
Subscribe to the Vine
Get the details on. BC wine Events, contests, recipes, and promotions delivered right to your inbox.
Explore
Recipes & Blog Posts
Our Taste & Terroir blog features stories and advice from top guides in wine, food, travel and more.
Blistered Shishito Peppers on Grilled Sourdough with White Bean Hummus and Beetroot Tartare with Pear Butter and Kale Oil
Crostini
Easy Blini
Crème Fraîche
Homemade Ricotta
Spanish Grilled Cheese and Smoky Cream of Tomato Soup
From Celebrations to Everyday: The Champagne Appeal of BC Sparkling Wine
BC Wines and Holiday Parties: Perfect Pairings for Every Celebration
The Perfect Snack & BC Wine Pairings for Autumn Adventures
BC Wine News: How BC Wine Country Is Preparing for a Strong Comeback
What’s Happening in BC Wine Country – 6 Reasons to Plan Your Next Trip Today
