A perfect day on the Golden Mile Bench & Black Sage Road

Two roads face each other across the Okanagan Valley just north of Osoyoos, and between them they've built much of BC wine's reputation. The Golden Mile Bench catches the morning sun on the valley's west side; Black Sage Road bakes on the sandy east bench all afternoon. Same valley, different personalities, one outstanding day.

Morning: the Golden Mile Bench

Start on the west side while the light is on it. The Bench was BC's first official sub-appellation, and estates like Tinhorn Creek and Hester Creek show why: structured, elegant wines from complex glacial soils. Many pour with patios overlooking the valley, arrive for opening and you'll taste in blissful calm.

Lunch in the vines

Several Bench wineries run excellent seasonal restaurants; reserve ahead in summer. A long vineyard lunch is not a delay to the itinerary, it is the itinerary.

Afternoon: Black Sage Road

Cross the valley for the big reds. The deep sand of Black Sage Road grows some of Canada's most celebrated syrah and Bordeaux varieties, with Burrowing Owl and Black Hills the essential stops.

Getting home

It's a 20-minute run down Highway 97 back to Osoyoos, easy for a designated driver, easier still with a tour pickup. Your bottles ride safe in the trunk; the room fridge awaits.