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Okanagan’s Eleven (six new appellations for British Columbia)

  By admin | June 30, 2022 - 1:01 pm |
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Big news out of British Columbia! Six new sub-geographical indications (sub-GIs) have recently been approved for the Okanagan Valley GI.

The Okanagan Valley—a long, narrow, and dry valley located inland of the Coast Mountain Range and tucked between the Cascades and the Columbia Mountains—is home to the great majority of British Columbia’s vines. Overall, the valley’s continental climate is somewhat assuaged by the northerly latitude and the presence of Lake Okanagan. However, as evidenced by the recent approval of these new subregions, the large Okanagan Valley is home to several diverse soil types and climate conditions—and supports the production of a wide range of wine types and styles.

The six new sub-appellations are as follows:

East Kelowna Slopes: Covers a series of hillsides overlooking Mission Creek in the central area of the Okanagan Valley. A cool climate area known for premium sparkling wine; the leading grape varieties include Pinot Noir, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris. At this time, about 203 hectares/501 acres are planted to vine. Read the Technical Report for the East Kelowna Slopes Sub-GI here (includes detailed maps of the area).

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Lake Country: Situated near the northern edge of the Okanagan Valley, the Lake Country GI covers the west-facing slopes and benches overlooking a section of the eastern shore of Okanagan Lake. This GI is currently planted to about 100 hectares/247 acres of vines and is known for rich, flavorful Pinot Noir and white varietals. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Gewurztraminer are the leading varieties. Read the Technical Report for the Lake Country Sub-GI here (includes detailed maps of the area).

South Kelowna Slopes: This small area covers a series of hillsides and slopes on the eastern shore of Okanagan Lake. The region has a unique concentration of mixed glacial sediment (soils). The area currently contains 131 hectares/324 acres of commercial vineyards; leading grape varieties include Pinot Noir, Gamay, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Gewurztraminer. Read the Technical Report for the South Kelowna Slopes Sub-GI here (includes detailed maps of the area).

Summerland Bench: This appellation covers the foothills and terraces located to the east and south of Giant’s Head Mountain (on the west shores of Okanagan Lake). The area is largely planted to fruit orchards (apples and cherries), with approximately 60 hectares/148 acres of vines. White grapes (primarily Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer) dominate the plantings; small plots of Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Syrah are found as well. Read the Technical Report for the Summerland Bench Sub-GI here (includes detailed maps of the area).

Map of the Okanagan Valley GI; copyright Wine Growers British Columbia

Map of the Okanagan Valley GI; copyright Wine Growers British Columbia (click to enlarge)

Summerland Lakefront: This appellation covers a 12-kilometer (7.5-mile) stretch of land hugging the western shore of Okanagan Lake, near the community of Summerland. The area is largely planted to white grape varieties and currently boasts just over 65 hectares/160 acres of vines. Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris are the leading varieties; lesser amounts of Pinot Noir and Merlot are grown as well. Read the Technical Report for the Summerland Lakefront Sub-GI here (includes detailed maps of the area).

Summerland Valleys: This appellation contains some of the highest-elevation vineyards in the Okanagan Valley, linking two separate valleys via a stretch of land that runs across Cartwright Mountain. Like the Summerland Bench and Summerland Lakefront GIs, this area is situated around and near the community of Summerland, located on the western shores of Okanagan Lake. There are currently 35 hectares/85 acres of vines planted in the region. Chardonnay is the leading variety. Read the Technical Report for the Summerland Valleys Sub-GI here (includes detailed maps of the area).

Okanagan’s Eleven: These six new sub-appellations join the five already in place—Golden Mile Bench, Golden Mile Slopes, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Falls, and Skaha Bench—for a total of 11.

Okanagan’s Twelve? Hang on to your flashcards…yet another Sub-GI has been proposed. Click here to read the June 2022 Proposal for the Black Sage Bench Sub-GI

References/for more information:  

Post authored by Jane A. Nickles…your blog administrator: jnickles@societyofwineeducators.org

 

Shuswap, Lillooet, Thompson Valley, and Kootenays (What’s new in British Columbia)

  By admin | October 4, 2018 - 12:21 am | ,
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Photo via wines of British Columbia: http://winebc.com/

Photo via wines of British Columbia: http://winebc.com/

Shuswap, Lillooet, Thompson Valley, and Kootenays…what do these four things have in common?

They are newly-approved geographical indications (GIs) for quality wine in British Columbia (Canada)!  These four areas are all located just north of Washington State,  inland from British Columbia’s coastal wine-producing regions—Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, and Fraser Valley—and somewhat to the north and east of the well-established Okanagan Valley and Similkameen Valley GIs.

Here’s a quick look at these four new regions:

Shuswap: Located in and around the shores of Shuswap Lake, the Shuswap GI is located just to the north of the Okanagan Valley in the mountains of the Coast Range (on the map, it’s located to the west of the city of Kamloops). At 50°59´N latitude, it is among the northern-most fine wine producing regions in the world.  This area has been producing wine since the late 1990s, focusing on cool-climate varietals. There are currently about 85 acres of commercial vineyards and ten licensed wineries in the area, including Larch Hills Winery, Baccarta Ridge Winery, Ovino Winery, and the irresistibly-named Edge of the Earth Vineyards. The name Shuswap is derived from the Shuswap (Secwepemc) First Nations people.

Map via Wines of British Columbia: http://winebc.com/

Map via Wines of British Columbia: http://winebc.com/

Lillooet: The Lillooet GI is located to the north of both the Fraser Valley and the Okanagan Valley, at just above 50°N in latitude. Despite this fact, however, the area can experience very warm days during the summer—as a matter of fact, this area sometimes clocks some of Canada’s highest temperatures during the summer days. The area is also dry, some years receiving as little as 13 inches (33 m) of rain. This is all due to the rain shadow and impressive gorges of the Coast Mountain Range. However, the high temperatures of the summer days drop steeply down at night, making this area slightly cooler overall than surrounding regions—considered the overall average temperature (hot days + cool nights). Commercial viticulture arrived in Lillooet in 2004, and there are currently 54 acres of vines, as well as one winery, Fort Berens Estate Winery in the area. The name is derived from the St’at’imc First Nations People, also known as the Lillooet Nation.

Thompson Valley: The Thompson Valley GI is located near the town of Kamloops—in and around the spot where the North Thompson River flows into the South Thompson River. Similar to the climate of Lillooet, the area is affected by the rain shadow of the Coast Mountains, and experiences some hot temperatures during the summer (accompanied by a nice diurnal swing). The area’s first commercial winery, Harper’s Trail Estate Winery, opened in 2012. The area boasts over 95 acres of vineyards and a handful of wineries—including Sagewood Winery and Privato Winery. The Thompson River and the Thompson Valley are named for David Thompson, an explorer and surveyor who mapped the entire length of the Columbia River in the early 1800s.

Photo via Wines of British Columbia: http://winebc.com/

Photo via Wines of British Columbia: http://winebc.com/

Kootenays: The Kootenays area, located along the southern border of British Columbia just to the east of the Okanagan Valley, is sometimes referred to as the “first shores” due to the fact that, according to geologists, the area was the original west coast of North America. The region has long been planted with apple orchards and is known for its many cider, cyser, and mead producers. Grapes have also been planted here, among the rivers, lakes, and waterfalls, since 1995. The Kootenays GI currently has just over 68 acres planted to vines and a handful of wineries, including Ballie-Grohman Estate Winery, Wynnwood Cellars, and Skimmerhorn Winery.   The area is named for the Kootenay River (and Kootenay Mountain), which are themselves named for the Kutenai First Nations people.

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For those of you studying for advanced wine certifications, it might be noted that that British Columba now has a total of 12 GIs (10 GIs and two sub-GIs).   The entire list (as of October 1, 2018) is as follows:

  • British Columbia GI
  • Fraser Valley GI
  • Gulf Islands GI
  • Kootenays GI
  • Lillooet GI
  • Okanagan Valley GI (contains two sub-appellations: Golden Mile Bench GI and Okanagan Falls GI)
  • Shuswap GI
  • Similkameen Valley GI
  • Thomson Valley GI
  • Vancouver Island GI

*Keep those flashcards handy, however. There are two more sub-GIs in the pipeline: Skaha Bench and Naramata Bench (both of which are pending sub-GIs of the Okanagan Valley).

References/for more information:

Post authored by Jane A. Nickles – SWE’s Director of Education and Certification –  jnickles@societyofwineeducators.org

Welcome to the World, Golden Mile Slopes GI!

  By admin | January 5, 2022 - 1:29 pm |
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Mount Kobau defines the eastern edge of the Golden Mile Slopes GI

Mount Kobau defines the eastern edge of the Golden Mile Slopes GI

British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley GI has a new sub-appellation: the Golden Mile Slopes GI!

Located in the southern portion of the Okanagan Valley, the newly-approved Golden Mile Slopes GI covers the rolling hills and some of the valley floor located between Mount Kobau (to the east) and the floodplain of the Okanagan River (to the south). The Golden Mile Bench GI (approved in 2015) is located along the new appellation’s northern border.

  • According to the technical description of the new appellation (submitted to the British Columbia Wine Authority in September of 2020), the unique features of the Golden Mile Slopes GI include the following:
    • Soils based on sediment, sand, gravel, and alluvial fans deposited by glacial retreat
    • Small lakes—known as kettle lakes—located in a few areas of low elevation
    • A warm, semi-arid climate with less than 350 mm/14 inches of rainfall per year
Map of the Golden Mile Slopes AVA via: BCVQA.ca

Map of the Golden Mile Slopes AVA via: BCVQA.ca

The long, narrow Golden Mile Slopes GI encompasses a total of 590 hectares (1,260 acres). The area is home to just over 37 small commercial vineyards, with approximately 165 ha (408 acres) planted to vinifera vines. At last count, the area included 9 commercial wineries. In addition to vineyards, the area contains fruit trees and annual vegetable production.

Red grapes occupy just over 60% of the commercial vineyard planting in the Golden Mile Slopes GI. Merlot is (by far) the leading red variety, followed by Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir.

Pinot Gris—the leading white grape of the region—is accompanied by Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer, and a smattering of Riesling.

Golden Mile Slopes is the fifth sub-appellation of British Columbia’s larger Okanagan Valley GI; the others include Golden Mile Bench, Skaha Bench, Naramata Bench, and Okanagan Falls.

References/for more information:

Post authored by Jane A. Nickles…your blog administrator: jnickles@societyofwineeducators.org

Welcome to the World, Cowichan Valley GI!

  By admin | June 21, 2020 - 10:40 am |
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Good news from Vancouver Island, British Columbia (Canada)!

As of June 2020, the Cowichan Valley (48°46´N), located along the southeast coast of Vancouver Island, is a newly approved sub-geographical indication (sub-GI) of the Vancouver Island wine producing region.  The area surrounds the city of Duncan and extends from the coast between Maple Bay and Mill Bay (in the east), along Cowichan River to Cowichan Lake (to the west) and as far south as the village of Cobble Hill. (For those not too familiar with this part of North America, all of this is taking place off the west coast of British Columbia, Canada.)

The defined area covers approximately 350 square kilometers, with an estimated 60 to 70 hectares (150 to 175 acres) planted to vineyards.  Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir are the leading grape varieties, followed by Gewurztraminer, Ortega, and Bacchus. Hybrid grapes also thrive in the area. Many of these hybrids—including Petite Milo, Cabernet Foch, and Cabernet Libre—were created by Swiss grape geneticist Valentin Blattner and affectionately referred to as Blattners.  Grapes from the Cowichan Valley are used to produce sparkling wines—something of a specialty—and table wines (both dry and sweet).

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The cool, humid climate of the Cowichan Valley is largely influenced by the nearby ocean; although some Mediterranean-like features— such as cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers—are noted as well. In the western (inland) reaches of the area, vineyards are planted at elevations up to 250 meters (820 feet) above sea level.

Modern commercial viticulture in the Cowichan Valley dates to the early 1990s. Vignetti Zanatta—a converted dairy farm and Vancouver Island’s first estate winery—was founded here in 1992. At last count, there are more than a dozen wineries in the area, including Glenterra Vineyards, Blue Grouse Estate Winery, and Averill Creek Vineyard (among others).

The Cowichan Valley is named in honor of the First Nations Cowichan (Qu’wutsun) Tribe of Vancouver Island. There are over 3,800 registered members of the Cowichan Tribe living on Vancouver Island.

Welcome to the world, Cowichan Valley (sub) GI!

Cowichan Valley Map via BC Wine Authority

Cowichan Valley Map via BC Wine Authority

References/for more information:

Post authored by Jane A. Nickles…your blog administrator: jnickles@societyofwineeducators.org

Welcome to the World, Naramata Bench and Skaha Bench!

  By admin | May 14, 2019 - 3:03 pm | ,
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Deep Roots Winery - photo via the Naramata Bench Wineries Association

Deep Roots Winery – photo via the Naramata Bench Wineries Association

On May 13, 2019, the British Columbia Vintners Quality Alliance announced the approval and registration of two new geographical indications—Naramata Bench and Skaha Bench. Both of these areas are contained within and considered to be sub-appellations of the larger Okanagan Valley GI—itself located in the Canadian province of British Columbia just north of the US border.

The new appellations were approved by the British Columbia Wine Authority in January 2019; at that time the proposals (recommendations) were sent to the Minister of Agriculture as required under British Columbia’s “Wines of Marked Quality” regulations. On May 13 the registrations were complete.

Here are some details concerning these new GIs:

Naramata Bench: The Naramata Bench GI occupies the bench lands located along the south and east side of Lake Okanagan, extending north from Penticton Creek to the edge of Okanagan Mountain Park.  The area consists of rolling hills and a diversity of soils that make for a range of microclimates; however, the area tends to be slightly warmer—and enjoys a longer growing period and more frost free days—than the surrounding areas.

There are more than 30 wineries located within the Naramata Bench GI, including Bella Wines (specializing in sparkling wines), D’Angelo Estate Winery, Deep Roots Winery, and Serendipity Winery. See the website of the Naramata Bench Winery Association for a complete list. The entirety of the Naramata Bench GI covers just under 3,650 hectares; of these, 250 hectares (620 acres) are currently planted to vine.  The leading grapes of the region include Merlot, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.

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Skaha Bench: The Skaha Bench GI is located entirely atop of—and named for—a geological terrace that runs alongside the eastern edge of Lake Skaha. The area, located to the east and south of the city of Penticton, consists mainly of west-facing slopes that allow for cool air to drain downward toward the lake shore. This makes the land atop the 10-kilometer-long (6.2-mile-long) Skaha Bench slightly warmer than most of the surrounding area.

Wineries located within the Skaha Bench GI include Black Dog Cellars, Blasted Church Vineyards, Crescent Hill  Winery, Painted Rock Estate Winery, and Pentâge Winery. The entirety of the Skaha Bench GI covers just under 365 hectares; of these, 75 hectares (185 acres) are currently planted to vine.

With the approval of the Naramata Bench and Skaha Bench GIs, the Okanagan Valley now contains four total sub-appellations, including the previously-approved Okanagan Falls (established in 2018) and Golden Mile (established in 2014) areas.

References/for further information:

Post authored by Jane A. Nickles – your blog administrator

Changes in Canadian Wine Label Laws

  By admin | April 5, 2018 - 12:03 pm | ,
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16452217 - canadian flag in front of the beautiful city of vancouver, canada

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For many years, wine purists have bemoaned the “Cellared in Canada” label term used on some made-in-Canada wines as misleading to consumers.

And, it seems, there was a reason to fret: wines that were produced using a portion of imported grape juice (fermented, matured, and bottled in Canada) often used the term “Cellared in Canada” (or “CIC”) on the label, leading many consumers to believe that they were purchasing a true Canadian wine (as would be produced from Canadian-grown grapes). In fact, these wines were allowed to contain up to 70% imported juice and/or wine. Much of the imported products came from countries such as Chile, Argentina, Australia, and the United States.

However, there is no longer any reason to feel bemused: as of March 2018, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CIFA) has outlawed the use of the terms “Cellared in Canada” or “CIC.” Going forward, the acceptable terminology for this style of wine produced primarily from imported juice/wine is “International Blend from Imported and Domestic Wines.” If the product is produced using a majority of Canadian juice/wine, the newly-approved label terminology is “International Blend from Domestic and Imported wines.”

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Other label terms to watch out for are “vinted in Canada” or “bottled in Canada.” Either of these terms may imply a wine produced in Canada from imported grapes.

If you are looking for authentic Canadian wine, it is always best to seek out a wine with the Vintner’s Quality Alliance (VQA) seal of approval. Both of Canada’s main wine-producing regions—British Columbia and Ontario—have a set of strict qualifications for use of the VQA designation. These include having 100% of the grapes grown within the region of origin. Long live the VQA!

References/for more information:

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Conference Preview: Northern Reaches – A Time to Shine for Canadian Wine

  By admin | June 22, 2016 - 11:40 am |
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Today we have a conference preview from Jordan Cowe, CWE. Jordan, a favorite presenter for SWE’s SWEbinars and conferences alike, tells us about his session titled Northern Reaches: A Time to Shine for Canadian Wine.

The sun is setting over the water and the temperature is dropping bringing a bit of relief to a 100°F day in the vineyard. Sitting here, surrounded by Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, it is hard to believe that we are in Canada. Where I am, at Canada’s southernmost point, I’m on the same latitude as friends out in northern California, and there region I am in charts heat units that compare to those of Napa Valley.

Canada might be associated with the frigidly-named icewine, and many Americans cross our border expecting snow and polar bears–but our growing regions aren’t nearly as cold as most people think they are!

Growing wine in Canada is complicated; every step of the process is at the will of Mother Nature and what she gives us. Year after year we learn more and more about how to handle nature’s surprises and to produce wines that are now rivaling the best from around the world. The summer of 2015 was unusually cool throughout Ontario, yet patience and knowledge allowed some growers to continue ripening all the way through November–this produced outstanding wines that may serve as a benchmark vintage for quality.

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This success followed the winters of 2014 and 2015 where we saw the coldest temperatures in about 30 years. Such low temperatures (negative 30°) would spell disaster for most regions, and while we suffered losses, precise vineyard practices and modern technology have allowed many of our vines to survive and our vineyards to continue.

The wine regions that dot Canada from coast to coast have faced similar problems. Out in British Columbia on Canada’s west coast, the regions closer to the coast can suffer the effects of mild and rainy summers while on the other side of the province the Okanagan valley can be a hot, dry near-desert like growing environment. If you cross the country to the Atlantic Provinces you find relentlessly driven producers in Nova Scotia finding small pockets of land that are just right for grape growing and, against all odds, are producing absolutely outstanding sparkling wines and dry white wines.

For all the things that are said about Canadians, the one that is always forgotten is our resilience and determination in the face of winter.

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As a nation, we are very well-known for our outstanding, centuries-old beer and whisky industries; so, in comparison, our wine industry is an infant. Gaining our first international awards and recognition in the early 1990s and only recently showing up on anyone’s radar, Canadian wines are still largely unknown. From Chardonnay and Riesling in the whites to Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and more in the reds, Canada is producing outstanding wines that next to nobody has tried.

Take the opportunity to join Jordan to taste and learn about some of the hidden gems produced in this only sometimes frozen corner of the world at this year’s SWE Conference. Jordan Cowe is a Certified Wine Educator from Canada’s Niagara Region. A lover of the unusual and misunderstood areas of the wine world he is right at home in with Canadian wines which continually give him an opportunity to break expectations and expose students and guests to something new. Jordan’s session will be held on Saturday, August 13th at 10:30 am.

 

Onward to the Okanagan

  By admin | January 12, 2014 - 12:44 pm |
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Mission Hill Winery Overlooking Lake Okanagan

Mission Hill Winery
Overlooking Lake Okanagan

About 12,000 years ago, during the end an ice age, a cycle of flooding rushed through parts of Canada, Washington State, and Oregon.  These floods ran with the force equivalent to 60 Amazon Rivers and eroded large portions of rock and deposited high quality soil as far south as the Willamette Valley.  In British Columbia, these floods helped create the Okanagan Valley, one of the most dynamic wine regions in Canada.

The Okanagan Valley, located east of Vancouver, is a beautiful landscape filled with hills and lakes.  The region benefits from large deposits of fertile soils left behind by the ice sheets, dispersed over time by wind and water.  The area has a continental climate, moderated by Lake Okanagan.  The surrounding mountains help restrict rain, and the southern part of the valley, which borders the Sonora Desert, benefits from the desert’s warm, dry air.  All these factors work together to create a patchwork of unique microclimates capable of producing quality vinifera grapes.

Rocky Hills of the Okanagan Valley

Rocky Hills of the Okanagan Valley

Inhabited originally by the Okanagan Tribe; fur traders, miners, and missionaries moved into the region in the early 19th century.   The first vines were planted in 1859 at the Oblate Mission by Charles Pandosy and were used to produce sacramental wine.  Eventually, the region became known as a fruit growing region, especially once modern irrigation systems were introduced in the 1930s.  It was not until the 1970s that growers begin to experiment with vitis vinifera and the area was planted with small amounts of German varieties, such as Riesling, Ehrenfelser, and Scheurebe.

Since that time wine culture in the Okanagan Valley has expanded dramatically. In 1996 there were about 45 wineries.  Today, there are over 120, most of them family owned and operated.  The vineyards are not limited to a handful of varieties, but dozens.  The diversity of microclimates allows for almost any kind of grape to successfully grow.  Where one winery produces Syrah and Merlot wineries less than forty miles away are growing Pinot Noir or producing ice wines.

Mission Hill Winery

Mission Hill Winery

For now, most of the wine is sold primarily at the wineries with some distribution throughout BC.  This may soon change as regional associations and proponents attempt to ease Canadian laws on wine shipments and distribution.  Although the wines are not yet readily available in the USA or Europe, we have our fingers crossed that this may soon change.

For more information, see the Wines of British Columbia website.

Click here to return to the SWE Website.

Post authored by Ben Coffelt  – bcoffelt@societyofwineeducators.org