Posts Tagged ‘weiner dogs’

It’s All About the Dirt

Tuesday, June 1st, 2010

I’m loving all the new brand work that Road 13 Winery has done, including their great new tag line “it’s all about the dirt”. The packaging, advertising, and all creative content really captures the rural farm winery feeling.

It’s the kind of marketing that makes you want to pack your bags up from the big city and open up a small winery in the Okanagan. Guess it hits the aspirational marketing nail on the head!

Road 13 Winery was originally known as Golden Mile Cellars and took it’s new name (and look!) in recognition of the winery’s location along the Golden Mile. Their tag line is based on their deep love, appreciation and understanding of their vineyards’ terroir. They focus on strong farming practices and on growing grapes that suit their land’s soil profile. It really is all about the dirt.

Currently they are producing 18,000 cases of wine annually for three different tiers: Honest John’s, Road 13 varietal and blends, and Jackpot (their premium series).

Road 13 is open year round and is a must visit stop on your Okanagan wine route. If you have extra time, be sure to call ahead and resereve a special barrel room tasting.

More Information & Map: http://www.road13vineyards.com/

PS: Be sure to say hi to Filbert and Nutmeg, the darling winery wiener dogs!

Golden Mile Cellars

Wednesday, May 30th, 2007

Above: Golden Mile Cellars is built to look like a castle.

Golden Mile Cellars was purchased by Mick and Pam Luckhurst of Vancouver Island in 2003. The unique castle winery sits high up on the Western slopes of the South Okanagan, and has a pleasant view of the valley below.

Visitors are encouraged to take a seat at the picnic tables in front of the winery that overlook the 23 acre vineyard site. Picnic fare, including imported cheeses, crackers, etc. and Cuban cigars can be purchased in the tasting room.

The Luckhurst family oversees all administrative aspects of the winery and works the vineyard. The wines produced at Golden Mile have been steadily gaining attention under the care of winemaker Michael Bartier.

Above: It's hard to miss this building!

Wines: Golden Mile makes its wines using grapes from its own vineyards and from some South Okanagan growers. The winery offers white label wines, and black label Black Arts wines that are ultra premium.

Notes on Tastings: Golden Mile has a great view, and ample space in the wine shop, which offers a number of items including glasses, books, decanters, cigars, etc. Parking is ample but it is on a slope, so ensure that your vehicle has a functional emergency brake (ours, unfortunately, did not). Visitors may taste up to four wines free of charge.

Last Word: This winery is novel and charming in its castle concept, and you are sure to encounter some good wines.

Driving Directions: From Highway 97 turn West onto Road 13. You can’t miss the castle perched atop the hill!