Best Naramata Wineries to Visit, Plus Where to Stay, Eat & Guided Naramata Wine Tour Options
Naramata is home to more than 40 wineries, with loads of Merlot, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to taste. It’s beautiful here, like crazy-beautiful, and you just won’t fully believe it until you see it. This is the place that time forgot but in a really good way. Remember: slow your pace here and say hi to the locals. Naramata could be mistaken for something out of a storybook. Along the eastern shore of Lake Okanagan are towers of sand and silt that reach for the sky, forming the base of a tall benchmarked by deep gullies carved over time. Driving atop that bench on the twisty Naramata Road inspires one to slow down in the hopes of catching a glimpse of peek-a-boo orchards and vineyards from every possible angle. This place is different and that difference is palpable.
- Best Naramata Wineries to Visit, Plus Where to Stay, Eat & Guided Naramata Wine Tour Options
- Best Wine Tours in Naramata
- Naramata Wineries to Visit
- Where to Eat in Naramata
- Hotels and Winery B&Bs in Naramata
- Getting to Naramata Wine Country
- The History of Naramata
- Frequently Asked Questions about Naramata Wineries & Wine Tours
Best Wine Tours in Naramata
There are several guided wine tasting tours that focus on Naramata that are definitely worth experiencing. This is often a preferred method to explore the area so you can indulge and not worry about driving.
Additionally, you’ll benefit from the knowledge of a local guide and typically can customize your itinerary.
Naramata Bench 5 Winery Tour
Embark on an immersive Naramata Bench Wine tour, curated and conducted by Vivid Tours, situated amidst the foot of the Okanagan mountains. The Naramata Bench, bathed in perpetual sunshine and steeped in a distinctive terroir, presents an intimate exploration of one of Canada’s most iconic wine regions. This meticulously designed 6-hour experience opens doors to the vibrant wine culture of Okanagan, showcasing the craft behind the region’s exceptional wines. Whether you’re a fan of crisp whites or full-bodied reds, Vivid’s Naramata Bench wine tours have something to entice all wine enthusiasts, including visits to five distinguished wineries.
Conveniently positioned only a brief journey from Penticton, B.C., this full-day (6 hours) excursion not only provides access to Naramata’s most coveted wineries but also incorporates a lunch break, complete with reservations at a scenic winery bistro. Dive into the heart of Canada’s wine country with this exclusive tour and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Naramata Wine Tour Full Day
Experience the vine-clad beauty of Canada’s eminent wine region, the Naramata Bench, on a private tour operated by Sagebrush Tours. Engage in enlightening conversations about the unique grape varieties nurtured here and the delectable wines they produce. Immerse your senses in the flavors of the region by sampling offerings from five prestigious wineries, each with captivating views. This tour provides an ideal setting for a relaxing outing with friends or a romantic escape, all without the concern of designating a driver. Your experience includes wine tasting fees at all five wineries, with the flexibility to follow our expert guide’s curated itinerary or tailor it to your preference. This excursion is a perfect match for those passionate about gastronomy, fine wines, and unforgettable experiences, offering the luxury of personalized attention throughout.
Naramata Wineries to Visit
Bella Wines
4320 Gulch Rd, Naramata, BC V0H 1N0, Canada
For a new world exploration into traditional method bubbles, with a focus on vineyard-specific Chardonnays and Gamays and all things naturally bubbled (weekends and by appointment).
Daydreamer Wines
1305 Smethurst Rd, Naramata, BC V0H 1N1, Canada
For beauty Syrah/Shiraz, Riesling, Chardonnay, and a sparkling Shiraz (yes, really).
Deep Roots Winery
884 Tillar Rd, Naramata, BC V0H 1N1, Canada
For Gamay (all day) and just about anything you can get your hands on because they’re a pretty small producer – long time growers, newer to the winemaking, and quite stellar at that.
Hillside Winery
1350 Naramata Rd, Penticton, BC V2A 8T6, Canada
For vivacious Viognier, easy drinking Rosé, delightful Muscat (a fan favorite), and Cabernet Franc
Howling Bluff Estate Winery
1086 Three Mile Rd, Penticton, BC V2A 8T7, Canada
For the loveliest small lot Pinot Noirs, a pretty Rosé, and darn solid lineup of everything else.
JoieFarm
2825 Naramata Rd, Naramata, BC V0H 1N1, Canada
For shining bright whites like their Noble Blend, En Famille Reserve Chardonnay and En Famille Reserve Riesling, or crazy good Pinot Noirs (yes, several) plus #GoGamayGo. Stay for Picnique and dine al fresco.
Lake Breeze Vineyards
930 Sammet Rd, Naramata, BC V0H 1N0, Canada
For classic Okanagan bright white wines like Ehrenfelser, Pinot Gris, and Roussanne – plus the McIntyre Heritage Reserve series.
Little Engine Wines
851 Naramata Rd, Penticton, BC V2A 8V1, Canada
For the some of the most seriously elegant Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs of the region. Ante up and book a tasting on the patio with small bites.
Roche Wines
60 Upper Bench Rd S, Penticton, BC V2A 8T1, Canada
For a taste of the Okanagan through the eyes of France in the “Tradition” series Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Gris or the magnificently elegant “Château” Grand Vin (Cab Franc / Cab Sauv / Merlot).
Terravista Vineyards
1853 1853 Sutherland Rd, Penticton, BC V2A 8T8, Canada
For ridiculously good white wines that will brighten any day (or meal). Think Albariño and Verdejo in their beautiful blend Fandango, Roussanne and Marsanne in the Figaro, or soloists Viognier and Albariño.
Upper Bench Estate Winery & Creamery
170 Upper Bench Rd S, Penticton, BC V2A 8T1, Canada
For outstanding Chardonnay, super tasty Riesling, and magnificent reds like their Yard Wine blend and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Where to Eat in Naramata
THE BISTRO at Hillside Winery
1350B Naramata Rd, Penticton, BC V2A 8T6, Canada
At Hillside Winery for locally inspired exquisite plates in a relaxed setting.
The Restaurant at Poplar Grove
425 Middle Bench Rd N, Penticton, BC V2A 8S5, Canada
At Poplar Grove Winery soak up the majestic views of Lake Okanagan from high atop Munson Mountain (a now extinct former volcano) for lunch, dinner, or anything between.
The Patio At Lake Breeze
930 Sammet Rd, Naramata, BC V0H 1N0, Canada
For light bites, big views, and tasty sips.
Hotels and Winery B&Bs in Naramata
Naramata Heritage Inn in the village, and sleep in a luxurious piece of living history.
The Village Motel in the village, because it’s absolutely adorable.
Naramata Courtyard Suites for everything from dining and wine tasting to beaches and orchards.
Camp at the Naramata Centre where you can simply set up base camp for the week or participate in the Centre’s programs.
Forgotten Hill Bed & Breakfast for stunning views and a fantastic spread every morning.
The Inn at Therapy Vineyards, true to its name, offers soaking tubs for the ultimate therapeutic relaxation.
Farm House at D’Angelo Vineyards provides a peaceful haven right next to acres of gorgeous vines.
RELATED: The Best Okanagan Wineries to Visit with Great Views
Getting to Naramata Wine Country
Naramata is in the southern Okanagan Valley of British Columbia and accessible by major highways connecting to Route 97 (extending through Washington state). It’s an adventurous drive or quick flight from major centers like Seattle, Spokane, Vancouver, and Calgary. International flights arrive in Kelowna and domestic flights can touch down directly in neighboring Penticton. You can check current flight deals with Kayak. If you travel by road, check provincial resources like DriveBC.com for traffic updates.
- From Seattle: 336mi
- From Spokane: 234mi
- From Vancouver: 267mi
- From Calgary: 425mi
The History of Naramata
Like most of the Okanagan Valley, Naramata is part of the Syilx Okanagan people’s unceded traditional territory. So in 2018 when the Naramata Parks & Recreation Commission took suggestions to name a new park beside the elementary school, there was also consultation with the Penticton Indian Band. This new name evolved into House of Bald Eagle or citxʷs paqəlqyn in the Nsyilicen language and now reflects not just one park but the entire community. When we explore Naramata, it’s on First Nations lands we travel.
The area was once called Nine Mile Point, then “East Summerland”, and eventually Brighton Beach before becoming Naramata. The area now known for grape growing and winemaking was settled in 1907 by John Moore Robinson when he bought 3,500 acres and began to plant orchards. Along with being patrons of the arts, Robinson and his wife were spiritualists and séance-holders. Rumour has it the name Naramata was interpreted by a medium to mean ‘smile of Manitou’. Folklore here has roots that run deeper than the oldest vines.
With no access by land, ferry boats originally connected Naramata to Summerland across Lake Okanagan. The journey was about 5km and could be made on the SS Sicamous, a sternwheeler now restored and permanently beached at the south end of the lake. A rough road came to the town in 1907 and the Kettle Valley Rail made its way to Naramata by 1915, although that would be decommissioned in the 1970s and turned into a popular hiking/biking trail. Naramata even had its moment in the Hollywood spotlight: in 1985, it was the backdrop for the award-winning film My American Cousin.
Farm life here began with orchards. Outside of the town proper, much of the acreage in and around Naramata is part of the British Columbia Agricultural Land Reserve which limits land development in support of food security. Lang Vineyards was the first to grow grapes here in the 1980s and still has some of the oldest vines. As of May 13, 2019, the provincial government announced the Naramata Bench is the Okanagan Valley’s third sub-gi. This new sub-region consists of approximately 3,650 hectares and stretches from Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park on the north end to Penticton Creek in the south. Of that, 250 hectares are vineyards and includes more than 30 wineries that can officially use the term “Naramata Bench” on their bottles for wines made with 95% regional grapes.
The proximity of Lake Okanagan moderates extreme temperatures, and the natural slope provides cool air drainage and helps to lower the risk of frost in spring and fall. The “bench” reaches 660-690 meters (2,165-2,263 feet) above Lake Okanagan and was formed by glacial events, made of sand, silt, and clay that built up as melting ice waters receded. This land is old, like eons old.
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