The Golden Mile Bench
We take pride in our position as one of the pioneers of the Golden Mile Bench.
Located within the larger Okanagan Valley Geographical Indication (GI), the Golden Mile Bench is British Columbia’s first sub-GI having gained its status as a recognized sub-region in 2015. It is situated just south of Oliver and consists of four creeks, each with their own alluvial fan. One of the four creeks is Hester Creek, which runs along the south side of our estate property.
The east-facing aspect lends itself to warm morning light and a shift to cooler temperatures as the mountains cast a shadow over the vineyards in the afternoon. This diurnal shift (daily change) in temperature allows the grapes to fully ripen during the daytime hours, while maintaining their acidity at night. When temperatures rise above 42°C, the heat is too much for the vines and they go into survival mode by shutting down, which essentially stops photosynthesis and the ripening process. This is a real risk for vines in the height of summer, and while there are vineyard practices on the east side of the valley to mitigate the effects of vines shutting down, the assistance of cooler afternoon and evening temperatures that the west side provides are an added benefit to our estate vineyard.
The area totals approximately 1,500 acres, with 800 acres in vines over the sub-region’s 11 vineyards. The soils are mixed gravel, clay and rocks, which are entirely derived from the geological formations of nearby Mt. Kobau. There are four alluvial fans that are divided by four creeks that make up the sub-Gi including: Hester Creek, Reid Creek, Testalinden Creek, and Tinhorn Creek. These fans are conical to facilitate cool air drainage. This factor along with the fact that the entire Bench is 40-100 metres above the valley floor makes it virtually frost free in the spring and fall, with 1,484 growing degree days on average.
The phenomenal combination of unique soil, climate and light that make up our distinctive terroir encourage the development of complex and intense flavours in our wine. No wonder it is known as the Golden Mile Bench.
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