Burgeoning wine industry in the south Okanagan

13 is usually an unlucky number but at Road 13 winery on the Golden Mile Bench it’s quite the opposite.

The family-owned and operated winery has been awarded best in B.C. and top four in the country at the prestigious 2017 National Wine Awards of Canada.

“We always say that credit goes to our vines,” said Joseph Luckhurst, Road 13 Managing Partner.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "We always say that credit goes to our vines," said Joseph Luckhurst, Road 13 Managing Partner.

It’s one of many success stories in the Oliver-area as the burgeoning south Okanagan wine industry sees significant growth.

“We are always seeing an increase in visitors every single year and we’re just in early August right now and for us we’re coming close to being sold out of wine,” Luckhurst said.

Across the river on the Black Sage bench construction is underway at the new Phantom Creek Estates winery.

Between construction costs and acquiring the vineyards, the total cost of the project is around $100 million dollars.

The winery is slated to open in the summer of 2019.

President Ingo Grady said significant revenue is already being pumped into the local economy.

“From the cost of the building permit which went to the regional district, to employing everybody working on the site today,” he said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "From the cost of the building permit which went to the regional district, to employing everybody working on the site today," he said.

Oliver’s mayor Ron Hovanes said the growth and recognition is positive for tourism.

“Oliver, Osoyoos is just becoming one of the premier grape growing areas that you can find anywhere,” he said.

But the landscape of the small farming community is changing.

“In conjunction with things like Area 27 and the new prison, little quaint Oliver is changing rather rapidly,” said Terry Schafer, Greater Oliver Director.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "In conjunction with things like Area 27 and the new prison, little quaint Oliver is changing rather rapidly," said Terry Schafer, Greater Oliver Director.

A change that is being welcomed by winemakers.

“I think people realizing just what we have down here, we have a really unique part of the country in the south Okanagan,” Luckhurst said.

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