WGBC (Wine Growers of British Columbia) has updated all the topographical information for the province’s growing regions and Sub-GIs. This marks the first major update in several years.
This is significant as it provides an accurate baseline to follow the ongoing development of BC’s sub-GIs and growing regions. Moreover, because the maps are all on line, they’ll be easy to keep current.
However, having said that, I’m reminded of the amazing 3D plastic topographical map I was shown on arrival in Austria. It allowed me to immediately comprehend the location and geography of the different regions. Maybe something similar will be forthcoming here.
No doubt the most downloaded will be the Okanagan Valley map, which will also be the most fluid. Stay tuned for newly confirmed Sub-GIs to be announced soon.
They’re expected to include East Kelowna Slopes, South Kelowna Slopes, and Lake Country. Also in the works, yet to be formally submitted, is a proposal for Summerland and surrounding area. No word yet on what’s planned for the Similkameen, or Osoyoos benches, for that matter. However, the more Sub-GIs that are formalized, the more proposals we can expect to see coming forward.
As someone who’s visited wine regions around the world, I can tell you that good topographical maps are a vital resource. While these maps are a work in progress, they will be excellent tools on so many levels. These include everything from giving visiting media a quick orientation, to helping in the development of potential new growing areas—such as Lillooet, the Kootenays and elsewhere.
Why are Sub-GI’s important? Essentially they provide a science-based road map for the different regions that enable us to see which varieties perform best in a given area. It’s important to remember that even just a decade ago the Okanagan was generally regarded as being one homogenous region. No longer. Plus, we now have developing viticulture in many areas outside of the Okanagan.
Read what Rhys Pender, MW, (Little Farm) Ann Sperling (Sperling Vineyards) and Leslie d’Andrea (Noble Ridge) have to say about the evolution of BC’s Sub-GIs in my piece in the current issue of Vitis BC.
From the WGBC release:
“The topographic cartography combines simple design incorporating the Wines of British Columbia new brand elements, with the GI and sub-GI boundaries as regulated by the British Columbia Wine Authority, to construct a detailed look at B.C.’s diverse winegrowing regions,” says Laura Kittmer, Communications Director, Wine Growers British Columbia.
“The maps depict the extent of the GIs which are largely based on watershed boundaries or portions of watersheds. The sub-GI boundaries are based on landforms which are enduring landscape features that do not change over time,” says Scott Smith, Eterrna Consulting, Penticton.
British Columbia’s wine regions are on the edge of the wine world, at the highest latitudes where grape growing is possible. Long hours of daylight, baking hot days, cool nights and deliberately moderate yields create intense, bright fruit flavours beautifully balanced against vibrant acidity.
“British Columbia is gifted with some of the most extreme and unique grape growing conditions on the planet, that are not easily defined. From the coast to the vast and rugged interior of the province, these maps were developed to be used by industry as an essential tool in telling our story. Whether you are in the wine business, interested in learning about wine, or visiting a region, these maps are an important way in understanding B.C. wines and the scope of our diverse terroir,” says Kittmer.
Link to WGBC maps
To download all new Wines of British Columbia provincial and regional topographic maps, visit WineBC.com.
Map image courtesy of Wine Growers British Columbia Society.
Leave A Comment