Golden Mile Bench

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LATITUDE

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LONGITUDE

about this subregion

Nestled amid the scenic beauty of British Columbia, the Golden Mile Bench appellation epitomizes the exquisite interplay of its surroundings with grape cultivation. This exceptional terroir, blessed with abundant sunlight and fertile soil, serves as the perfect backdrop for nurturing top grape varieties, including Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Grigio.

Located in the southern reaches of the Okanagan Valley, the Golden Mile Bench enjoys the advantageous presence of Osoyoos Lake, which moderates temperatures and extends the growing season. Its sun-soaked south-facing slopes provide an idyllic setting for grape ripening, while the mineral-rich, well-drained soils contribute depth and intricacy to the wines produced here.

Within this warm and sun-drenched environment, Merlot flourishes, while Cabernet Franc thrives in the cooler evenings. Meanwhile, Pinot Grigio, celebrated for its crisp and fresh character, displays its finest attributes under the distinct climatic and terroir influences of the Golden Mile Bench.

As we delve deeper into the Golden Mile Bench appellation, we embark on a journey where nature harmonizes seamlessly with viticulture, crafting outstanding wines that authentically reflect the essence of this remarkable corner of British Columbia.

321

Vineyard Hectares

9

WINERIES

1385 GDD

GROWING DEGREE DAYS

Discover Terroir

The Golden Mile Bench wine appellation in British Columbia, Canada, is renowned for its exceptional landscape. Situated within the broader Okanagan Valley wine region, this appellation boasts a visually striking terrain.

Distinguished by its undulating hills and terraced vineyards, the Golden Mile Bench offers a captivating panorama. The landscape is predominantly covered by vineyards, creating a mosaic of lush green vines in summer and a kaleidoscope of autumn colors during harvest season. The slightly elevated terrain provides excellent drainage and optimal sun exposure for the vineyards, making it an ideal environment for grape cultivation.

What sets the Golden Mile Bench apart is its unique microclimate, influenced by nearby lakes like Lake Okanagan. This microclimate ensures warm, sunny summers with ample sunlight and relatively mild conditions, crucial for grape maturation. The surrounding mountains act as a shield against adverse weather, contributing to the distinctive terroir that imparts a unique flavor profile to the wines produced here.

Furthermore, the region's soil composition is diverse, featuring gravel, sandy loam, and clay. This soil variation, combined with the specific climate and topography, enhances the complexity and diversity of wines crafted within the Golden Mile Bench.

In summary, the Golden Mile Bench wine appellation showcases a captivating landscape, characterized by rolling hills, terraced vineyards, and a favorable microclimate. These factors collectively contribute to the production of premium wines that have garnered recognition both nationally and internationally.

Nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of British Columbia's Okanagan Valley, the Golden Mile Bench wine appellation enjoys a climate that sets it apart. This region benefits from a warm climate due to its southern exposure, which bathes the vineyards in abundant sunlight.

One of the distinctive features of this climate is the morning sunlight that graces the vineyards, offering a unique advantage compared to the valley's eastern side. This early sun exposure results in a slightly cooler start to the day, a characteristic that proves invaluable for grape cultivation. This cooler onset preserves the grapes' natural acidity, which is crucial for producing wines with a crisp and balanced flavor profile.

Throughout the growing season, the Golden Mile Bench's warm climate ensures that grapes ripen to perfection. The generous sunshine encourages sugar development in the grapes, while the cooler mornings maintain their acidity. This delicate balance results in wines with a remarkable depth of flavor and complexity.

In summary, the climate of the Golden Mile Bench is a harmonious blend of warmth and coolness, offering an ideal environment for crafting wines that eloquently express the distinct terroir of this remarkable wine appellation.

Situated in the picturesque Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, the Golden Mile Bench wine appellation has firmly established itself as a prestigious hub for winemaking. Recognized as the inaugural sub-geographical indication within the Okanagan Valley in 2015, this region boasts a distinctive terroir that profoundly shapes the flavors and aromas of its wines. Among the grape varieties that thrive in this setting, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Grigio stand out for their unique characteristics. Here, we delve deeper into the aromatic and flavor profiles of these wines:

  1. Merlot: The Merlot produced in the Golden Mile Bench is renowned for its opulent and intricate character. In terms of fragrance, it often unveils a delightful bouquet featuring dark fruit notes such as blackberries and plums, subtly accompanied by traces of vanilla and cocoa derived from oak aging. When sipped, this wine delivers a luxurious texture, mirroring its aromatic elements with ripe black fruit flavors and a touch of sweet spice. This culminates in a smooth, velvety finish.
  2. Cabernet Franc: Cabernet Franc from this region is celebrated for its vibrancy and depth. It typically emits a captivating blend of both red and black fruits, notably raspberries and black currants, interwoven with hints of green bell pepper and a slight herbaceous quality. In terms of taste, it showcases an elegant equilibrium between fruity and earthy notes, offering a medium body and a finish that often carries a hint of peppery spice.
  3. Pinot Grigio: The Pinot Grigio produced in the Golden Mile Bench boasts a distinctively fresh and aromatic profile. It frequently greets the senses with scents of ripe stone fruits like peaches and apricots, accompanied by subtle floral undertones and a touch of citrus zest. Upon tasting, it reveals a crisp and invigorating character, echoing its aromatic stone fruit nuances. This is harmoniously complemented by a subtle mineral note, culminating in a clean and lingering finish.

Each of these wines serves as a testament to the distinctive terroir of the Golden Mile Bench, offering a glimpse into the diverse and vibrant wine culture of this esteemed Canadian wine region.

Associations

vinerra illustration

Discover

In the beautiful Golden Mile Bench appellation of British Columbia, we encounter three key grape varieties: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Grigio. It's fascinating how each of these grapes has its own set of requirements shaped by the environment they thrive in.

  1. Merlot: Merlot absolutely loves it here, thanks to the climate balance. Warm days and cool evenings work like magic for its growth. The soil, with its excellent drainage, provides a welcoming environment for Merlot to flourish.
  2. Cabernet Franc: Cabernet Franc, another star of this region, prefers slightly warmer conditions but can handle cooler nights. This unique blend of temperature influences its one-of-a-kind flavor profile.
  3. Pinot Grigio: Pinot Grigio feels right at home in the cooler parts of the Golden Mile Bench. These conditions are essential for preserving its crisp and refreshing characteristics. The cool climate helps maintain its vital acidity and liveliness.

In this enchanting corner of British Columbia, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Grigio each have their own distinct needs, and together, they create wines that eloquently express the Golden Mile Bench appellation's exceptional character.

Situated in the picturesque Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, the Golden Mile Bench wine appellation has firmly established itself as a prestigious hub for winemaking. Recognized as the inaugural sub-geographical indication within the Okanagan Valley in 2015, this region boasts a distinctive terroir that profoundly shapes the flavors and aromas of its wines. Among the grape varieties that thrive in this setting, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Grigio stand out for their unique characteristics. Here, we delve deeper into the aromatic and flavor profiles of these wines:

  1. Merlot: The Merlot produced in the Golden Mile Bench is renowned for its opulent and intricate character. In terms of fragrance, it often unveils a delightful bouquet featuring dark fruit notes such as blackberries and plums, subtly accompanied by traces of vanilla and cocoa derived from oak aging. When sipped, this wine delivers a luxurious texture, mirroring its aromatic elements with ripe black fruit flavors and a touch of sweet spice. This culminates in a smooth, velvety finish.
  2. Cabernet Franc: Cabernet Franc from this region is celebrated for its vibrancy and depth. It typically emits a captivating blend of both red and black fruits, notably raspberries and black currants, interwoven with hints of green bell pepper and a slight herbaceous quality. In terms of taste, it showcases an elegant equilibrium between fruity and earthy notes, offering a medium body and a finish that often carries a hint of peppery spice.
  3. Pinot Grigio: The Pinot Grigio produced in the Golden Mile Bench boasts a distinctively fresh and aromatic profile. It frequently greets the senses with scents of ripe stone fruits like peaches and apricots, accompanied by subtle floral undertones and a touch of citrus zest. Upon tasting, it reveals a crisp and invigorating character, echoing its aromatic stone fruit nuances. This is harmoniously complemented by a subtle mineral note, culminating in a clean and lingering finish.

Each of these wines serves as a testament to the distinctive terroir of the Golden Mile Bench, offering a glimpse into the diverse and vibrant wine culture of this esteemed Canadian wine region.

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