Naramata is quietly gaining international recognition as a bucket list wine destination in British Columbia, Canada. Located in the Okanagan Valley, Naramata is currently home to over 40 wineries all within a short drive from Penticton. It is easy to see that grape growing has deep roots and a rich history in this region. Seemingly around every bend in the road there is a new tasting room, winemaker, and fascinating story.
The most pleasurable way to experience all that Naramata offers is through a private winery tour. Rest assured Beach Bum Tours has all the info you need! Our full day Naramata Bench Wine Tour includes tastings at 5 wineries, an hour lunch stop, and pickup and drop-off from any location between West Kelowna and Oyama with complete Covid-19 safety measures in place!
Naramata Bench British Columbia
Naramata Bench is geographically defined as the area between Penticton Creek, and Okanagan Mountain Park. Nowhere else in British Columbia will you find so many wineries and locally sourced restaurants in such a short trip.
In 2019 it was officially marked as a region meeting the Wines of Marked Quality Regulation. Becoming only the fourth sub-appellation wine region within British Columbia.
Sitting on the hillside above Okanagan Lake, Naramata Bench was officially declared a sub-appellation wine region in BC in 2019. A short drive down the road from Penticton or Okanagan Falls, it is simple to see Naramata Wineries are incredibly unique. Let’s take a look at the 29 wineries that are part of the Naramata Bench wineries association, and a few outstanding others found along the road.
BENCH 1775
Named after their address, Bench 1775 offer unique expressions of fruit. Stop by for a tasting, or stay for a glass of vino on the patio.
BLACK WIDOW WINERY
This boutique hillside winery specializes in premium single vineyard wines. Sourcing only fully ripened grapes from Naramata Bench, they boast every new vintage brings fresh excitement.
BELLA WINES
Bella is the only winery in British Columbia dedicated completed to sparkling wine. Posts throughout the property are covered in both Chardonnay and Gamma Noir, what they describe as an under appreciated BC grape.
D’ANGELO ESTATE WINERY
This vineyard sprawls over 24 acres on Naramata Bench. Onsite is a family owned and operated guest house with panoramic views of Penticton and the Okanagan Valley. The wine shop is in operation year round for tastings and off sales.
DAYDREAMER WINES
This winery was conceived with a belief that small batch processing and a sustainable approach curates the best wine. It is family run and in 2019 won the Best Red Wine in Canada at the All Canadian Wine Awards.
DEEP ROOTS WINERY
Deep Roots winery is operated on 25 acres of property that has been farmed in the Hardman family for over 100 years. Today they boast the unique terrior on their vineyard captures reflective heat from the lake, helping to produce the highest quality of wines.
ELEPHANT ISLAND WINERY
Head down iconic Aikins Loop in Naramata and you will stumble across Elephant Island Winery. Whether you are looking for wine, cider, or fruit wine, this spot has it all. Tasting are available with Covid-19 measures in place.
FOUR SHADOWS VINEYARD & WINERY
A short trip outside Penticton, this winery is located at the very beginning of Naramata Bench. In 2020 they won double gold in the all Canadian Wine Championship for their 2018 Chardonnay.
FOXTROT VINEYARDS
Foxtrot showcases themselves as a boutique winery that specializes in age worthy Pinot Noir and premium Chardonnay. All their grapes are grown on 28 year old own rooted vines, giving what they call “a true reflection of the Naramata Bench”.
HILLSIDE WINERY & BISTRO
Hillside Winery backs onto the historical kettle valley railway. They believe gentle touch and minimal intervention produces the best wine. Tastings and sales are offered in a modern farmhouse setting showcasing how unique Naramata Bench truly is. Stop by the bistro and enjoy some locally crafted delicious Poplar Grove Cheese.
LA FRENZ WINERY
La Frenz controls of over 5 estate vineyards and produces wine that showcases the vibrant and intense grape characters found only in the Okanagan. Located only minutes outside Penticton down Naramata road, they are a must stop for any Naramata wine tasting trip.
LAKE BREEZE VINEYARDS
Established in 1996, today this winery has vines growing nine varietals including Pinot Blanc and Cabernet Franc. Production is limited to 10,000 cases, but the Lake Breeze team believes many of the best things in this world, come in small packages.
LANG VINEYARDS
Lang Vineyards is home to the oldest vines on Naramata Bench, and are proud to renounce themselves as the first farm-gate winery in British Columbia. Located on the upper bench, today they produce several unique bottles including “The Original Canadian Maple Wine”.
LAUGHING STOCK VINEYARDS
Located just off Naramata road wine here is produced as a serious enterprise, but with a lighthearted attitude. In 2011 their Syrah took home top red wine in Canada by Decanter World Wine Awards.
MOJOCO WINERY
Nestled in the middle of Naramata Bench, Mojoco is family run winery. Sitting on 5 acres, they truly are one of the few boutique Naramata Wineries. The name MOJOCO was discovered after adding the initials of their three children together.
MONSTER VINEYARDS
Monster is one of the first wineries you will find as you leave Penticton on Naramata Road. Their portfolio includes bold, fruit-forward and pleasing to the plate wines. A perfect beginning or ending to any tasting tour. Don’t miss out on the enticing aromas of strawberry in their delicate well recognized Rosé.
MORAINE ESTATE WINERY
Located on the bluffs of Naramata, this winery offers sweeping views of Lake Okanagan with small portfolio focused production. A must add to any tasting tour list if you fancy Pinot Gris or a delicate Viognier.
POPLAR GROVE WINERY
Poplar Grove began operations 1993 as a quintessential garage winery. Today they are one of the many Naramata Wineries located on the road outside of Penticton. This vineyard strives to put Okanagan Valley wineries on the world map, while doing all things sustainable.
RED ROOSTER WINERY
Perched on Naramata road above the lake, Red Rooster has some of the best views around. They consistently receive top honours, including a Top 5 Chardonnay in the world in 2011.
ROCHE WINERY
In 2011 this family migrated from Bordeaux France, recognizing Naramata BC as a perfect area to grow cool-climate varieties. Found near the southern tip of Naramata, they focus on natural care and organic principles throughout their process.
RUBY BLUES
Advertised as a funky, fun winery with fine wine and great rock and roll music. This winery is found on the road just outside Penticton. Stop by the tasting room and sample their very popular Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blend.
SERENDIPITY WINERY
What began as a holiday to the area, grew into Serendipity Winery. Judy Kingston purchased an old apple and cherry orchard and converted it to boutique winery in 2005. With four unique soil types, their portfolio is expansive yet curated, with the Sauvignon Blanc being particularly delicious.
SINGLETREE VINEYARDS
Named for the single-harness yoke commonly used in farming in the 1800’s, this Naramata winery opened in 2018. The owners have a strong history to agriculture, proclaiming few places in the Canada produce luscious reds like the Okanagan.
TERRAVISTA VINEYARDS
Located on the upper bench of Naramata, Terravista figured this was the perfect place in the Southern Okanagan to plant white grapes. They are one of the only wineries in British Columbia that list Spanish varietals as their primary production.
THERAPY VINEYARDS
Surrounded by stunning views and the beautiful outdoors, this winery truly believes you visit here for therapy. They produce a wine portfolio that both a beginner or expert wine connoisseur can appreciate. While offering a boutique Inn with five modern suites if you’d like to stay a while.
THREE SISTERS WINERY
A short trip outside of Penticton, this family winery has a been farming for generations. Today they manage over 160 acres, while committing to an environmentally friendly practise.
Naramata Wine Varietals
Naramata Bench provides an idealistic sub-climate for vineyards to grow full flavoured white varietals, as well as earlier ripening elegant reds.
The most common found include Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris.
How many wineries are on the Naramata Bench?
There is currently over 40 wineries within 20 minutes of each other on Naramata Road.
How many wineries are in the Okanagan?
Current info estimates there is over 140 registered wineries within the Okanagan stretching from Vernon in the north all the way to Osoyoos in the south.
*Feature image credit: Becks
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