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Penticton  

'Golden Mile' gets its due

The B.C. government has approved a new sub-geographical indicator for Okanagan wine.

Wineries that meet the requirements of the Wines of Marked Quality Regulation can now label their bottles "Golden Mile Bench," meaning that at least 95 per cent of the grapes in the wine come from that specific area.

Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick made the announcement Monday at Tinhorn Creek Vineyard, one of 11 wineries that are included in the new Golden Mile Bench area, near Oliver.

“British Columbia’s award-winning wine has a strong reputation both here at home and internationally for its high quality and value,” he said.

“The new Golden Mile Bench label will signify to consumers that the bottle they are about to enjoy is from this unique and specific area.” 

That area is on the prominent terrace escarpment southwest of Oliver that runs south from Fairview Road and near Highway 97.

The list of wineries on the Golden Mile Bench includes:

  • CC Jentsche Cellars
  • Checkmate Artisanal Winery
  • Culmina Family Estate Winery
  • Fairview Cellars
  • Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery
  • Hester Creek Estate Winery
  • Inniskillin Okanagan Vineyards
  • Golden Mile Cellars (Road 13 Vineyards)
  • Rustico Farm and Cellars
  • Tinhorn Creek Vineyards
  • Willow Hill Vineyards.

“For 20 years, I have dreamed of this day – a day when the land we have always known to be special can be officially recognized on our label," explained Sandra Oldfield, president of Tinhorn Creek.

"I am so proud of all the work that was done by wineries and the government to get sub-appellation status for the Golden Mile Bench.” 

There are five designated wine regions in B.C., together they produce more than 80 different grape varieties.



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