Gold Hill Winery in Oliver, BC, is renowned for its high-quality, award-winning wines. Established in 2009 by Sant and Gurbachan Gill, this family-run winery focuses on traditional methods and small-batch production, making it a standout in the Okanagan Valley.
A Family's Passion Realized
The foundation of Gold Hill Winery is deeply rooted in the Gill family's passion for viticulture. Sant and Gurbachan Gill, who have decades of experience in vineyard management, founded the winery with a vision of combining their expertise with a love for winemaking. Their journey from managing vineyards to producing their wine was driven by a desire to create something exceptional.
Starting from scratch, the Gill family meticulously developed their vineyards on the Golden Mile Bench. Their dedication to quality and hands-on approach has been instrumental in establishing Gold Hill Winery as a respected name in the Canadian wine industry. The winery's first vintage releases quickly gained recognition, marking the beginning of a legacy of excellence.
Vineyards and Terroir
Gold Hill Winery's vineyards are located on the Golden Mile Bench, a region renowned for viticulture. Spanning approximately 24 acres, these vineyards benefit from a unique terroir, including sandy loam and gravel soils. The well-draining soil, warm, dry summers, and cool evenings create perfect conditions for growing premium grapes.
The Golden Mile Bench's climate and soil composition suit varietals such as Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Syrah. The area's distinctive terroir contributes to Gold Hill's wines' rich flavours and balanced acidity, making them a true reflection of the region's potential.
Crafting Exceptional Wines
At Gold Hill Winery, winemaking is an art that blends traditional techniques with meticulous attention to detail. The winery's philosophy focuses on minimal intervention, allowing the natural characteristics of the grapes to shine through. This approach ensures that each bottle reflects the unique terroir of the Golden Mile Bench.
Gold Hill's signature wines include a rich and elegant Cabernet Franc with notes of red fruit and spice, a smooth and full-bodied Merlot with dark fruit flavours, and a bold, peppery Syrah with a long finish. These wines have earned numerous awards, including accolades from the BC Wine Awards and Canadian Wine Awards, underscoring Gold Hill's commitment to excellence.
Tasting Room and Visitor Experience
Begin your wine-tasting adventure at Gold Hill Winery at the start of the Golden Mile fruit belt between Osoyoos and Oliver. The tasting room offers a welcoming environment for wine enthusiasts to sample their bold, award-winning wines. For $15 per person, guests can enjoy a tasting of five wines, with the fee waived upon purchasing a bottle. Wine flights featuring four wines of your choice are also available for $15. Visitors are invited to relax in the Charisma lounge and picnic area, where they can savour a variety of delicious deli items and wines by the glass or bottle, with prices ranging from $25 to $65.
Conclusion
Gold Hill Winery has significantly contributed to the Okanagan wine scene through its dedication to quality, sustainability, and community engagement. The Gill family's vision and hard work have created a legacy that stands to demonstrate the potential of Canadian winemaking. Plan your visit to Gold Hill Winery to discover the passion and craftsmanship behind every bottle.
