Our Vineyards
At Bench 1775, wines are made in the vineyard and self defined in the cellar. We farm 10 vineyards across the Okanagan Valley and Similkameen Valley including our flagship Bench 1775 Estate Vineyard in Penticton. Using vineyard centric practices with minimal intervention results in a genuine reflection and unique expression of the fruit and terroir in each and every wine.
We cultivate sustainably meaning we prioritize conservation, efficiency and responsibility when it comes to pest management as well as water and energy use. We manage our canopy by hand to reduce energy expenditure and increase precision.
Bench 1775 Estate vineyard is found on the Naramata Bench sub-GI – in the heart of the beautiful BC wine country. Located on the southern shore of Lake Okanagan, this west-facing vineyard has full access to the warm afternoon sun.
The soil used is the Penticton silt loam. This stone-free soil has a well-developed profile with a distinct organic matter-rich topsoil underlain by a highly favourable rooting zone up to 60 cm thick over the unweathered calcareous parent material. Long frost-free periods due to moderating influence of Okanagan Lake and sloping aspect.
Varieties: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Merlot, Riesling
This vineyard has a wonderful view of the surrounding mountains and plenty of sunshine. The western facing and steeply sloped vineyard has full access to the warm afternoon sun. Hot, sun-soaked summers and windy days help create the perfect conditions for growing red wine varieties.
The unique terroir was created long ago when glaciers melted, creating a huge river bed. As the water receded, it left behind .5 to 1.5 m (2 to 5 ft) of loamy topsoil with calcium-covered river rocks underneath. Combine those elements with sustainable farming practices, and you’ve got the ingredients for something special. With 19 planted acres, we present a range of premium red wines that showcase the stony, windswept terroir of the Similkameen Valley.
Varieties: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Shiraz
Parsons Vineyard is located in the Okanagan Falls, British Columbia’s second official sub-GI. Sites in and around Okanagan Falls proved to have some of the best potential in the region. With highly-rated soils in Class one or Class two, a low risk of autumn frost, and ratings for solar radiation measurement and growing degree days that showed how well suited the lands are, there is no doubt that the Okanagan Falls area is very desirable for vineyards. Warm days and cool nights produce wines with ripe fruit character and acidity. Soils and topography of the area are characterized by the hills made of bouldery gravel, ideal for providing proper drainage, and the steep slopes. Sandy loam soils are ideal for growing grapes and creating wines with intensity.
The varieties were selected as it was felt they would be very well suited to the site’s micro climate. We grow Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Vidal, Merlot here. We have been impressed with the quality of the fruit that has been grown so far on this site.
Varieties: Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Vidal, Merlot
Partridge Vineyard is found on the Naramata Bench sub-GI in British Columbia. Located on the lower terrace of the Naramata Bench, the western-facing aspect of this vineyard receives afternoon sun and long frost-free periods due to moderating influence of Okanagan Lake and sloping aspect, producing richly concentrated and aromatic wines. The soil used is the Penticton silt loam. This stone-free soil has a well-developed profile with a distinct organic matter-rich topsoil underlain by a highly favourable rooting zone up to 60 cm thick over the unweathered calcareous parent material.
Partridge Vineyard produces some of the best Pinot Noir red wine and icewine in BC. And its small acreage is in sharp contrast to its ability to produce sumptuous wines.
Varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
Sea Wave Vineyard is found on the Naramata Bench sub-GI in British Columbia. Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are planted in this vineyard. The soil used is the Penticton silt loam. This stone-free soil has a well-developed profile with a distinct organic matter-rich topsoil underlain by a highly favourable rooting zone up to 60 cm thick over the unweathered calcareous parent material. Within the mixed sediment landscape there are several common soils composed of stratified materials that vary in soil texture and the degree and location of stoniness in the profile.
Long frost-free periods due to moderating influence of Okanagan Lake and sloping aspect. Currently the sites experience a mean annual temperature of approximately 9.5 °C.
Varieties: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc
This picturesque vineyard a five-minute walk from our estate vineyard includes 3 blocks of Sauvignon Blanc, 2 blocks of Merlot and a very small block of Pertit Verdot. The fruit yield of Sauvignon Blanc from this vineyard is higher than average and could be as high as 3.5 tons/acre. It sits on a slope with perfect aspect overlooking the Okanagan Lake.
The soil used is the Penticton silt loam. This stone-free soil has a well-developed profile with a distinct organic matter-rich topsoil underlain by a highly favourable rooting zone up to 60 cm thick over the unweathered calcareous parent material. Currently the sites experience a mean annual temperature of approximately 9.5 °C.
Varieties: Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Pertit Verdot
Stone Slope Vineyard sets amongst the dramatic backdrop of rugged and awe-inspiring mountains, in the west of Keremeos in Similkameen Valley. The valley is arid with persistent winds that can reduce the moisture in the vines and the soil. Even above ground irrigation can evaporate before touching the ground. Significant winds help naturally keep the vineyard free of pests and disease. Due to the steep surrounding mountains, and the reflectivity of the rock, heat remains on the site long after the sun sets. We grow exceptional Riesling, Marechal Foch and Zweigelt here and also produce ultra-premium quality Riesling icewine from this vineyard.
Varieties: Riesling, Marechal Foch, Zweigelt
Tony Vineyard is located at an exciting area of new development, in the town of Summerland in the Okanagan Valley. The vineyard is surrounded with the picturesque rolling hills. Since the 1800s, the area’s combination of sparkling water, brilliant sun and fertile land has made it ideal for growing grapes. The average temperature is lower than the Naramata Bench sub-GI. The average growing degree days is 1,336. The site offers the ideal climate and minerals for growing premium white wines and icewines. We grow our delicious Riesling, Chardonnay and Semillon here. Grape varieties were chosen to maximize the site’s potential and meet Bench 1775’s production needs.
Varieties: Riesling, Chardonnay, Semillon
Willow Creek Vineyard is located just beside Tony Vineyard, in the town of Summerland in the Okanagan Valley. The vineyard is surrounded with the picturesque rolling hills. Since the 1800s, the area’s combination of sparkling water, brilliant sun and fertile land has made it ideal for growing grapes. The average temperature is lower than the Naramata Bench sub-GI. The average growing degree days is 1,336. The site offers the ideal climate and minerals for growing premium white wines and icewines. We grow Gewurztraminer and Riesling here. Grape varieties were chosen to maximize the site’s potential and meet Bench 1775’s production needs.
Varieties: Gewurztraminer, Riesling
Beyond Vineyard sits below a dramatic mountainous backdrop facing the Similkameen River in the center of Keremeos in the Similkameen Valley. The valley is arid with persistent winds that can reduce the moisture in the vines and the soil. Even above-ground irrigation can evaporate before touching the ground. Significant winds help to naturally keep the vineyard free of pests and disease. Due to the steep surrounding mountains and the reflectivity of the rock, heat remains on the site long after the sun sets. Here we grow exceptional Syrah, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc grape varieties.
Bench 1775 Membership
Choose from one of our 5 different club selections to get started! Our Wine Club delivers 6 bottles of Winemaker selected wines to your front door in March & October each year. You’ll receive special library releases, small-lot creations & new wine releases!
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