Upper Bench Winery receives its first Lieutenant Governor’s Award for BC Wine

Naramata Bench chardonnay wins prestigious accolade

Upper Bench Winery and Creamery is thrilled to welcome the Honourable Judith Guichon, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, to its winery on the picturesque Naramata Bench this Thursday, September 14, to receive its first Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in British Columbia wines.

One of only 12 awards given, Upper Bench’s 2015 Chardonnay was selected from 486 wines that were entered this year. A subtly oaked Chardonnay – 50 percent fermented in French oak barrels – the wine has excellent balance and structure, with bright fruit and a strong reflection of the Naramata Bench terroir. In addition to this recognition, the wine recently won silver medals at both the Cascadia Wine Competition, and the Northwest Wine Summit.

“This is a great honour,” says winemaker and co-owner Gavin Miller. “We are humbled to join our fellow and previous winners with our Chardonnay, and look forward to welcoming the Lieutenant Governor and members of the Consular Corps to Upper Bench.”

While the wine is sold out, it will be available for tasting at the brief awards presentation, along with cheese from the creamery at Upper Bench, and focaccia made in the on-site wood-fired oven which was installed earlier this year.

“We will be able to share the full offering of our house-made products, from wine to cheese to bread,” says co-owner Shana Miller, who oversees cheese production at the creamery. “An incredibly exciting day for us.”

Her Honour is expected at the winery on Thursday morning, as part of her annual tour to present the awards to the winners.