Mick and Pam were initially enticed by Road 13’s scenic setting. Through research and an association with viticulture consultant, Richard Cleave, it quickly became clear that the area known as the “Golden Mile” is a unique terroir. The two vineyards that surround the winery, Home Vineyard and Castle Vineyard, are situated on east-facing sloped benches up against mountains. The two locations have slightly different soil conditions and are healthy farms that feature hard ground with high mineral content, high moisture and nutrient-holding capacity, and an open southeast exposure that provides all-day, extended sunlight. The slopes provide excellent cold air drainage, protecting the vines from winter frost damage.

Location: Elevated bench up against the mountain on the west side of the valley in the area’s “Golden Mile.” There is all-day and late-day sun exposure.
Vines: First planted in 1968 to Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay, then in 1980 with Riesling and Chardonnay, in 1992 with Merlot, and in 2006 with Riesling and Syrah.
Soil: A small smattering of humus on top, hiding hard ground and rock – lots more rock. The nutrient-holding capacity is high.

Location: Elevated bench up against the mountain on the west side of the valley in the area’s “Golden Mile.” All-day and late-day sun exposure. Adjacent to the Home Vineyard.
Vines: First planted in 1986 to Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Viognier; then in 2005 with Syrah; and in 2008 with Pinot Noir.

Soil: It’s not! It is the usual stuff vines really love: hard and rocky with fine clay interspersed. This clay results in a high moisture-holding capacity, giving the vines a natural and constant reservoir of nourishing moisture and nutrients.

Located across the valley from the winery on the Black Sage Bench (an area that gets the Okanagan Valley’s longest sun exposure), this 11.5 acres/4.65 ha site was purchased and planted in 2007. Named The Rock Pile Vineyard, the goal for this vineyard is to produce two magical blends: one red, one white.

True to its name, The Rock Pile Vineyard is composed of rock, topped with 12 inches of humus. The rock/gravel, while an excellent source of minerals, does not have the holding capacity of Road 13 Vineyards’ eastside soils, and will take more monitoring, nurturing and careful replenishment.

Location: On the east side of the valley on Black Sage Road with the valley’s longest sun exposure.
Vines: Originally an orchard, plantings are dedicated to Mediterranean varieties such as Syrah (with three clones), Viognier, Grenache, Mourvèdre and a smaller lot of Roussanne. Mick upon urging from Mike, also planted 400 vines of the Spanish grape variety, Tempranillo, to see how they would fare.
Soil: Take a guess. Yup, it’s rock, under a 12-inch layer of rough humus.

Today Road 13 Vineyards owns and farms a total of 34 acres/13.75 ha and also relies on long-term contracts with some of the South Okanagan’s top grape growers. The winery takes great pride in its positive reputation amongst grape growers as an excellent winery partner. The respect of the growers is reflected in the quality of the fruit, totalling approximately 30 acres/12 ha, that they deliver to Road 13 Vineyards.

Road 13 Vineyards benefits greatly from its Southern Okanagan Valley microclimate, which is arid, offering a significant reduction in grapevine diseases. Consistent warm summer weather is moderated by nearby lakes; and the bench lands, which rise 50 to 100 metres above the valley floor, permit cold air to drain off the bench vineyards, extending the safe growing season. Generally speaking, the soils are well-drained with appropriate mineralization.