This week, we’re focusing on sunshine as we continue to explore Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country’s unique and diverse terroir. Sunshine is an important contributing factor in the winemaking process and has a direct effect on how quickly the fruit ripens.
The Golden Mile Bench, for example, gets cooler morning sun – wineries growing here include Tinhorn Creek Vineyards, Gehringer Brother Estate Winery, Hester Creek Estate Winery, CheckMate Artisanal Winery, Rust Wine Co. and Fairview Cellars.
The Black Sage Bench, just 6 km away, gets hot afternoon sun, resulting in lower yields but intensely flavourful grapes. Wineries here include Burrowing Owl Estate Winery, Black Hills Estate Winery, Desert Hills Estate Winery, Platinum Bench Estate Winery, Oliver Twist Estate Winery, Quinta Ferreira Estate Winery and brand new Phantom Creek Estates and French Door Estate Winery. Signature varietals include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Syrah.
The west side of Osoyoos Lake is known for its balanced sunshine and high winds – resulting in award-winning sun-ripened red wines from wineries such as Bordertown Estate Winery, Blue Sky Estate Winery, Young & Wyse Collection and Lariana Cellars. North Oliver also sees a more balanced day for sunlight, and includes wineries like Covert Farms Family Estate and Hidden Chapel Winery.
