OLIVER, B.C. — Grape growers in Oliver’s “Golden Mile Bench” believe the geography and climate help produce wine that has characteristics unique to this region.
They want this uniqueness to be reflected on wine bottles.
Bill Eggert of Fairview Cellars is one of the winery owners who’s been pushing for the province’s first sub-appellation.
“When people buy a wine that says ‘VQA Golden Mile Bench’ on it, they will recognize this as this is a type of wine, this is the taste of this wine,” explains Eggert.
The B.C. Wine Authority (BCWA) has now approved the proposal of the sub-Designated Viticultural Area.
Miles Prodan, President of the B.C. Wine Institute, praises the BCWA for its recent decision and says it’s a reflection of the province’s growing industry.
“What it really means is the maturation of the B.C. wine industry,” adds Prodan.
Now wineries will have to wait for the province’s stamp of approval.
After that, wineries will have to supply evidence that their grapes are indeed grown in the Golden Mile Bench.
“It will be like a trademark, and you wouldn’t be able to use it unless you’re able to prove it in the audit,” says Eggert.
He’s ready for such an audit and hopes to give next year’s releases the brand new labels.
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