18 Oct Golden Mile Bench Almost A Reality

It was back in May of 2014 wineries located on the Golden Mile Bench wine growing area near Oliver submitted a proposal to become the first official “Designated Viticultural Area” of the Okanagan Valley. Basically scientists proved that the area between Oliver and Osoyoos consist of a unique mesoclimate, including air drainage and soil materials.

British Columbia’s wine regulator, the B.C. Wine Authority (BCWA), this week recommended that Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick approve the new sub-appellation, which is essentially a small but identifiable wine region

If this goes through then wineries like Tinhorn and Hester Creek will be able to add the term Golden Mile Bench to their bottles. I personally love the idea as it gives these wineries more of a unique identity within a region of brilliant wine producers.

 
If the new sub-appellation is approved that means an all new set of regulations and inspections will be carried out to ensure that 85% of the grapes used to create wines are identified as being from the Golden Mile Bench. If you’d like to read more about this issue and learn from people in the area then check out this article from Business In Vancouver.