South Kelowna Slopes

The South Kelowna Slopes sub-GI encompasses an area of 1977 acres on the gentle, mixed glacial slopes in the South Mission area of the city of Kelowna.

The northerly latitude results in a cool climate with the nearby Okanagan Lake having a big moderating influence creating cooler days, warmer nights and a long growing season. The sub-GI stretches from lake level up to between 500-600 metres elevation where arable land exits. Elevation and aspect have an impact on temperatures within the sub-GI with extended growing degree days in lower sites that are closer to the lake.

Terroir

Estimated average 1324 to 1423 growing degree days depending on site location.

The geology of the sub-GI has been created by a mix of wind, water, and gravity since glaciation in the area around 12,000 years ago, mostly resulting in glaciofluvial (glacial meltwater) soils with a few pockets of deposited finer glaciolacustrine (lake bottom) soils. Around 50% of the region is glaciofluvial gravelly subsoil with a sandy or sandy loam topsoil layer. Some concentrated areas have deep, stone free, sandy soils.

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