Guide to Wine Podcast: Episode 142

What Makes Okanagan Valley Wine So Different w/ Katie Truscott of 1 Mill Road (Part 1)

Air Date: Wednesday, February 4th, 2026

Listen to the Podcast!

What makes wine from the Okanagan Valley so different from anywhere else?

In today’s episode I’m chatting with Katie Truscott from 1 Mill Road where we explore her journey into wine. It began unexpectedly with Chenin Blanc in South Africa and evolved into building a small, family-run winery in the heart of Naramata, British Columbia, Canada with her life (and business) partner, Ben. Katie shares her unconventional path into the wine world, from early curiosity and formal wine education to eventually producing wine full time in the Okanagan Valley.

Katie shares what defines the Okanagan Valley as a wine region. From long summer days and short growing seasons to the influence of a massive glacial lake, this episode breaks down how geography and climate shape what grows where. You’ll hear why Pinot Noir and Chardonnay thrive in certain parts of the valley and how site selection plays a critical role in wine style.

Katie also addresses the realities of farming and winemaking in this region, including extreme cold events, wildfire risk, and unpredictable yields. She also explains why most Canadian wines never leave British Columbia and what it will take for Okanagan Valley wines to gain broader recognition.

So, if you are ready to learn what makes the Okanagan Valley so special and unique then this episode is for you!

Connect with Katie
Personal Instagram - @katies.wine.life
Winery Instagram - @1millroad
Website - https://www.1millroad.ca/

Episode Highlights:

• Falling in love with wine through Chenin Blanc
• A nontraditional path into the wine industry
• What defines the Okanagan Valley as a wine region
• Why Pinot Noir and Chardonnay thrive there
• The impact of long summer days and short growing seasons
• How extreme cold and wildfires affect vineyards
• Why most Canadian wine stays in Canada
• What it takes for Okanagan wines to reach global markets

Thank you to the following brands for sponsoring this podcast:

• Bon Chocolats: Go to www.bonchocolats.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ10 for 10% off your order!
• Pour Memory: Use code CORKANDFIZZ for 15% off your purchase at www.pourmemory.com. I’d recommend a starter kit that includes a journal and 24 or 48 labels. Don’t forget to download the Pour Memory iOS app to track your bottles digitally too.
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Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide!
https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
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Email - [email protected]