16 minute read
South Okanagan: Penticton & Naramata
Common varieties grown: Riesling, Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer, Cabernet Franc Average Daily High Temperature July: 29C Average Hours of Sunshine: 1923 / Average Annual Rainfall: 299 mm Acreage: 1,232 / Soil: Glacial lake sediments components of silts and fine sands
The wine growing regions of Penticton and Naramata tick all the boxes for travellers seeking the convenience of an urban setting with the tranquility of rural life. Penticton is a city with a small-town feel and is ideally situated between Okanagan and Skaha Lakes, offering up stretches of sandy shoreline and crystal waters. There’s a river channel that winds through the heart of the city and visitors can leisurely float the entire length on tubes and other floatation devices, an activity that has been listed in the book titled, The Great Canadian Bucket List. The City of Penticton is renowned for its festivals and special events including the Fest of Ale, Peachfest, Pentastic Hot Jazz Festival, Elvis Festival and the Ironman Triathalon. Signature events for the Okanagan Fall Wine Festival are also held here.
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Adventure travellers will appreciate that they’re only minutes from Skaha Bluffs, a climber’s paradise that has garnered international recognition. Just a short drive through the city and around the north side of Okanagan Lake and you’ll find yourself on the Naramata Bench, a pastoral vineyard nirvana with stunning water views.
Here is where you’ll find one of the highest concentrations of wineries in the Okanagan Valley, bearing a unique terroir that has been recognized as one of the Sub-Geographical Indications
The Naramata Bench is a great option for destination day trips and if you don’t mind the occasional hill climb, this is a sensational spot for a winery cycle tour. Further south on the eastside bench of the Skaha Lake you’ll find another small cluster of wineries. This area is also recognized for its unique terroir by also being identified as a Sub GI.
Life, vine and wine flow in harmony
Opening Spring 2022
Okanagan's First Cycling Inspired Winery
Open daily May - October Book your tasting today!
Award-winning wines. A little bit funky. Mostly classy. Always fun.
Chain Reaction
Winery
Great wines are born from the courage to go beyond what’s possible. Nestled on the slope of Munson Mountain, at the gateway to the Naramata Bench, Poplar Grove has been nurturing the potential of their estate vineyards into each bottle for over 25 years. Family owned and operated, the Holler family farms over 140 acres of estate vineyards using sustainable farming methods that result in grapes that are an optimum expression of the Okanagan Valley. Visit the winery to experience breathtaking views of the Okanagan Valley while sipping on a selection of signature wines. Join the Poplar Grove Wine Club to receive discounts on direct wine purchases and access to member-only wines. Stay for lunch or dinner at The Restaurant at Poplar Grove. The restaurant offers exceptional views of Okanagan Lake and beyond while offering a taste of refined nostalgia. Combine the view, the food and the service with Poplar Grove’s exceptional wines to create a lasting wine country experience.
POPLAR GROVE WINERY 425 Middle Bench Road North, Penticton Phone: (250) 493 9463 www.poplargrove.ca
TOURING NOTES
SOUTH OKANAGAN:
Penticton & Naramata
Winery / Cidery Accommodation
Restaurant
Retail
Kettle Valley Therapy Vineyards Lower Debeck Rd Serendipity Old Main Rd Van Westen Elephant Island Deep Roots
Marichel JoieFarm
Gammon Rd
Lang
Naramata Rd Lake Breeze; The Patio Restaurant
Foxtrot Mocojo Terravista
Moraine OKANAGAN LAKE
Bench 1775
La Petite Abeille Cider Tightrope Three Mile Rd Howling Bluff Wesbert Winery & Guest Rooms Singletree Lock & Worth Aasha Wines Black Widow
Laughing Stock
Origin
Hillside
Naramata Rd
Chain Reaction
D’Angelo Evans Ave Fox & Archer Red RoosterRuby Blues
Little Engine
La Frenz
PLEASE TOUR RESPONSIBLY
Poplar Grove & Restaurant Monster
Da Silva Three Sisters Township 7
ARRANGE FOR A DESIGNATED DRIVER!
Vancouver Ave
Roche Upper Bench Upper Bench Rd
Olivia’s Oils & Vinegars Wade Ave Time / Evolve
BC VQA Wine Information Centre
EXPERIENCE TOURS
VALHALLA HELICOPTERS
See ad on page 2.
Johnson Rd
Four Shadows
Fairview Rd Main St Government StEckhardt Ave Industrial Ave
Hostelling International Carmi Ave Carmi Ave
Green Mountain Road Warren Ave
PENTICTON
Play Estate Sonetto Italian Restaurant Skaha Lake Rd
S Main St Beachside Motel Sunny Beach Motel
Waterfront Inn Crescent Hill
Lakeside Rd Pentâge
TOP 8 WINERIES IN CANADA TOP 4 WINERIES IN BC
- 2018 WineAlign.com
“At Bench 1775, one of the best winery patios in the world is a must stop for a glass of Glow Rosé.” Anthony Gismondi, The Vancouver Sun July 5, 2014
With carefully crafted, award-winning wines, a lively atmosphere, astounding views and seasonal food offerings, Bench 1775 is a top-rated winery in BC and Canada. Located in the center of the Naramata Bench, it is an obvious choice for those seeking a venue for weddings and private functions. In our wine shop, our friendly staff will taste you through the hidden gems of our portfolio. Our happily situated patio overlooks the BEST view in the Okanagan, with live music and lots of sunshine. Please feel free to ask about our wine club membership and its benefits. The tasting room has varied hours depending on the season, email wineshop@bench1775.com to find out our hours during your visit.
BENCH 1775 WINERY 1775 Naramata Road, Penticton, BC V2A 8T8 (250) 490-4965 info@bench1775.com www.bench1775.com
TOURING NOTES
The name “Play” refers to theatre and encompasses the pursuit and overall expression of the Arts.
The rebranding of Play Estate Winery over the past 2 years, and the recent extensive renovations undertaken by proprietor and restauranteur Giulio Miceli, have reinforced this theme.
In the words of William Shakespeare, “All the worlds a stage, and all men and women merely players.”
At Play and newly created Sonetto Italian Restaurant, we embrace our roles to both entertain and educate, while providing a genuine customer experience. Our mission is to create a mini escape from day-to-day life, highlighting exquisite Italian cuisine, extraordinary wines, and a majestic unobstructed world class view of the Skaha Lake and surrounding mountains.
Our talented winemaker Stephanie Bryers joined the team at Play in March of 2019, after honing her skills and knowledge in Ontario, New Zealand, Portugal, and eventually in the Okanagan, producing 3 vintages as assistant winemaker at Culmina Winery.
Her talents and efforts have been recently rewarded, having achieved several accolades at the 2021 Wine Align National Canadian Awards, and most notably, a silver medal for the 2019 Cabernet Franc.
Play Estate Winery and Sonetto are located just minutes from downtown Penticton, on Skaha Hills Drive, overlooking beautiful Skaha Lake.
PLAY ESTATE WINERY 507 Skaha Hills Drive, Penticton, BC, V2A O9A Info@playwinery.com Phone: (236) 422-2675 www.Playwinery.com
TOURING NOTES
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BC WINERIES We recommend that you call ahead or refer to winery websites to ensure that they are open at the time of your visit. Winery information may change throughout the course of the year. SOUTH OKANAGAN: Penticton & Naramata
PENTICTON
Aasha Wines 1660 Naramata Road, Penticton info@aashawines.com www.aashawines.com
BENCH 1775 WINERY
1775 Naramata Road, Penticton Phone: (250) 490-4965 info@bench1775.com www.bench1775.com Named after the address of our winery, 1775 Naramata Road, along the beautiful Naramata Road, Bench 1775 Winery is a celebration of land and place. See ad on page 25. Black Widow Winery 1630 Naramata Road, Penticton Phone: (250) 487-2347 www.blackwidowwinery.com
CHAIN REACTION WINERY
980 Naramata Road, Penticton Phone: (778) 622-7176 www.chainreactionwine.com Opening its doors in May 2022, Naramata Bench’s newest winery invites you to taste its portfolio of award-winning wines. Enjoy the stunning views and fun, casual atmosphere. Talk wine or cycling with the owners. See ad on page 22. Crescent Hill Winery 205 Spruce Road, Penticton Phone: (250) 492-7842 www.crescenthillwinery.com D’Angelo Estate Winery 979 Lochore Road, Penticton Phone: (250) 493-1364 www.dangelowinery.com Da Silva Vineyards and Winery 375 Upper Bench Road North, Penticton Toll Free: 1-800-851-0903 www.dasilvavineyards.com Evolve Cellars 361 Martin Street, Penticton Phone: (236) 422-2556 www.evolvecellars.com
FOUR SHADOWS VINEYARD & WINERY
250 Upper Bench Road South, Penticton Phone: (250) 493-3625 www.fourshadowsvineyard.com Four Shadows Vineyard & Winery is located at the southern end of the Naramata Bench, where life, vine and wine flow in harmony. See ad on page 22. Fox&Archer 655 Naramata Rd, Penticton www.foxandarcher.com Not open to the public Hillside Winery 1350 Naramata Road, Penticton Phone: (250) 493-6274 www.hillsidewinery.ca Howling Bluff Estate Winery 1086 Three Mile Road, Penticton Phone: (250) 490-3640 www.howlingbluff.ca La Frenz Estate Winery 1525 Randolph Road, Penticton Phone: (250) 492-6690 www.lafrenzwinery.com
LAUGHING STOCK VINEYARDS
1548 Naramata Road. Penticton Phone: (250) 493-8466 info@laughingstock.ca www.laughingstock.ca Laughing Stock Vineyards is approaching its 20th year of production. Since its inaugural vintage in 2003, LFNG has been a jewel in the Naramata Bench portfolio of wineries and a must stop for anyone seeking an intimate and in-depth wine experience. See ad on page 31. Little Engine Wines 851 Naramata Road, Penticton Phone: (250) 493-0033 www.littleenginewines.com Lock & Worth Winery 1060 Poplar Grove Road, Penticton Phone: (250) 492-4575 www.lockandworth.com Monster Vineyards 1010 Tupper Avenue, Penticton Phone: (250) 493-9463 www.monstervineyards.com Moraine Estate Winery 1865 Naramata Road, Penticton Phone: (250) 460-1836 www.morainewinery.com Origin Wines 1278 Riddle Rd, Penticton Phone: (250) 328-2158 www.originwines.ca Painted Rock Estate Winery 400 Smythe Drive, Penticton phone: (250) 493-6809 www.paintedrock.ca Pentâge Winery 4551 Valleyview Road, Penticton Phone: (250) 493-4008 www.pentage.com
PLAY ESTATE WINERY
507 Skaha Hills Drive, Penticton Phone: (236) 422-2675 Info@playwinery.com www.Playwinery.com At Play Winery and our newly created Sonetto Italian Restaurant, we embrace our roles to both entertain and educate while providing a genuine customer experience. See ad on page 26, 27.
POPLAR GROVE WINERY
425 Middle Bench Road North, Penticton Phone: (250) 493 9463 www.poplargrove.ca Estate Grown. Locally Farmed. Family Owned. Visit the winery to experience breathtaking views of the Okanagan Valley while sipping on a selection of our signature wines. See ad on page 23. Red Rooster Winery 891 Naramata Road, Penticton Phone: (250) 492-2424 www.redroosterwinery.com Roche Wines 60 Upper Bench Road South, Penticton Phone: (236) 422-2722 www.rterroir.ca Ruby Blues Winery 917 Narmata Road, Penticton Phone: (250) 276-5311 www.rubyblueswinery.ca Singletree Winery 1435 Naramata Rd, Penticton www.singletreewinery.com Terravista Vineyards 1853 Sutherland Road, Penticton Phone: (778) 476-6011 www.terravistavineyards.com Three Sisters Winery 1250 Munson Avenue, Penticton Phone: (236) 422-2296 www.3sisterswinery.com Tightrope Winery 1050 Fleet Road, Penticton Phone: (778) 476-7673 www.tightropewinery.ca TIME Winery 361 Martin Street, Penticton Phone: (236) 422-2556 www.timewines.ca Township 7 Vineyards & Winery 1450 McMillan Avenue, Penticton Phone: (250) 770-1743 www.township7.com Upper Bench Winery & Creamery 170 Upper Bench Road South, Penticton Phone: (250) 770-1733 www.upperbench.ca
WESBERT WINERY
1465 Naramata Road, Penticton Phone: (778)738-1113 wesbertwinery.com Located on Naramata Road outside Penticton, Wesbert Winery produces award-winning wines. Its onsite guest suites consist of three upmarket rooms each with full ensuite bathrooms. See ad on page 22.
NARAMATA
1 Mill Road Vineyard www.1millroad.ca Not open to the public Bella Wines Ltd. 4320 Gulch Road, Naramata Phone: (778) 996-1829 www.bellawines.ca Coolshanagh Vineyard 6301 N Naramata Rd, Naramata Phone: (250) 809-4695 www.coolshanagh.ca Daydreamer Wines Inc. 1305 Smethurst Road, Naramata Phone: (778) 514-0026 www.daydreamerwines.ca Deep Roots Winery 884 Tillar Road, Naramata Phone: (250) 460-2390 www.DeepRootsWinery.com
Lake Breeze Vineyards is a family owned hidden gem on the Naramata Bench that has been producing award winning wines since 1995. Located 12 km North of Penticton along Okanagan Lake, we produce Okanagan classics such as Pinot Gris, Merlot, and Pinot Noir. Unique varietals such as Ehrenfelser, Pinotage, and our signature Pinot Blanc have secured us a spot among the essential wineries to visit for both red and white award winning wines.
At Lake Breeze you can pause, relax, and savour the breathtaking views of the Okanagan Valley by walking through the farmstead and indulging in a memorable courtyard wine tasting followed by a wine country lunch at the Patio Restaurant.
Chef Mark Ashton’s menu is inspired by fresh ingredients from the Lake Breeze Farmstead to create a soulful, casual fine dining experience.
LAKE BREEZE VINEYARDS 930 Sammet Road, Naramata, BC (250) 496-5659 www.lakebreeze.ca info@lakebreeze.ca
Tasting Room Hours: May - October: Daily 11:00 - 5:00 Patio Restaurant Hours: May - October: Daily 11:30 - 3:30
TOURING NOTES
Elephant Island Orchard Wines 2730 Aikens Loop, Naramata Phone: (250) 496-5522 www.elephantislandwine.com Foxtrot Vineyards 1201 Gawne Road, Naramata Phone: (250) 496-5082 www.foxtrotwine.com JoieFarm Winery 2825 Naramata Road, Naramata Phone: (250) 496-0093 www.joiefarm.com Kettle Valley Winery 2988 Hayman Road, Naramata Phone: (250) 496-5898 www.kettlevalleywinery.com
LAKE BREEZE VINEYARDS
930 Sammet Road, Naramata Phone: (250) 496-5659 www.lakebreeze.ca Join us to experience our wide range of award winning wines, our tasting room staff will lead you through an unforgettable and comprehensive tasting in our beautiful outdoor courtyard. To reserve visit www.lakebreeze.ca Tasting hours: May – October 11:00 - 5:00 daily. See ad on page 29. Lang Vineyards 2493 Gammon Road, Naramata Phone: (778) 514-5598 www.langvineyards.ca
MACINTYRE HERITAGE RESERVE
930 Sammet Road, Naramata www.macintyrewine.com sales@macintyrewine.com A bold and prideful celebration, honouring those who have walked before us. MacIntyre wines encapsulate our ultimate effort to produce the very finest Naramata Bench Wines. Bar None. Marichel Vineyard and Winery 1016 Littlejohn Road, Naramata Phone: 250 496-4133 www.marichel.ca Mocojo Vineyard 1202 Gawne Road, Naramata Phone: (250) 496 - 4063 www.mocojowines.com Nichol Vineyard 1285 Smethurst Road, Naramata Phone: (250) 496-5962 www.nicholvineyard.com Serendipity Estate Winery 990 Lower Debeck Road, Naramata Phone: (250) 486-5290 www.serendipitywinery.com Therapy Vineyards & Inn 940 Debeck Road, Naramata Phone: (250) 496-5217 www.TherapyVineyards.com Van Westen Vineyards 2800A Aikins Loop, Naramata Phone: (250) 496-0067 www.vanwestenvineyards.com
WHERE TO STAY
BEACHSIDE MOTEL
3624 Parkview Street, Penticton / Phone: (250) 492-8318 / info@beachsidemotel.ca / www.skahalakemotels.com We are located moments away from the beautiful Skaha Beach and Skaha Beach Park with access to tennis courts, water spray park and beach volleyball courts. Take advantage of our central courtyard with BBQ’s, picnic tables and playground. See ad on page 7. HOSTELLING INTERNATIONAL PENTICTON 464 Ellis Street, Penticton Phone: (250) 492-3992 Toll Free: 1-866-782-9736 / penticton@hihostels.ca / www.hihostels.ca/penticton Starting from just $30.00/night, guests can expect a relaxed, home-away-from-home feel when staying at HI Penticton. Our staff know how to add those special touches to those visiting the land of peaches, great wines and beaches. SANDY BEACH LODGE & RESORT 4275 Mill Road, Naramata Phone: 250-496-5765 / Toll Free: 1-866-496-5765 / hello@sandybeachresort.com / www.sandybeachresort.com AN IDEAL OKANAGAN WATERFRONT RESORT, IN THE HEART OF NARAMATA BENCH WINE COUNTRY. THIS 4-STAR RATED RESORT PROVIDES THE PERFECT SETTING FOR FAMILY HOLIDAYS, WEEKEND GETAWAYS & GROUP FUNCTIONS. See ad on page 5.
SUNNY BEACH MOTEL
3648 Parkview Street, Penticton / Phone: (250) 492-8318 / info@sunnybeachmotel.ca / www.skahalakemotels.com Located steps away from beautiful Skaha Lake and Skaha Lake Park, Sunny Beach Motel is your home away from home. Soak up the local shops and cafes, catch a tan, have some fun and create lasting memories with your loved ones. See ad on page 7.
WATERFRONT INN
3688 Parkview Street, Penticton / Phone: (250) 492-8318 / info@waterfrontinn.ca / www.skahalakemotels.com Located on beautiful Skaha Lake in Penticton, the Waterfront Inn is the perfect location to relax, explore and play in BC’s picturesque Okanagan Valley. We provide guests with direct access to Skaha Lake and Skaha Lake Park and is within close proximity to shopping and dining in downtown Penticton. See ad on page 7.
WESBERT WINERY
1465 Naramata Road, Penticton / Phone: (778)738-1113 / wesbertwinery.com Located on Naramata Road outside Penticton, Wesbert Winery produces award-winning wines. Its onsite guest suites consist of three upmarket rooms each with full ensuite bathrooms. See ad on page 22.
WHERE TO EAT
THE PATIO RESTAURANT AT LAKE BREEZE VINEYARDS
930 Sammet Road, Naramata / Phone: (250) 496-5659 / www.lakebreeze.ca Join us on the Patio and enjoy an unforgettable dining experience set amongst the picturesque backdrop of the Naramata Bench. Chef Mark Ashton’s locally sourced and seasonally inspired dishes are paired with our award winning wines. To reserve visit www.lakebreeze.ca. Patio hours: May – October 11:30 – 3:30 daily. See ad on page 29.
THE RESTAURANT AT POPLAR GROVE
425 Middle Bench Road North, Penticton Phone: (250) 493 9463 / www.poplargrove.ca The Restaurant at Poplar Grove provides the view and exceptional food paired with our delicious wines, to create lasting culinary memories for all our guests. See ad on page 23.
SONETTO ITALIAN RESTAURANT AT PLAY ESTATE WINERY
507 Skaha Hills Drive, Penticton / Phone: (236) 422-2675 Info@playwinery.com / www.Playwinery.com At Play Winery and our newly created Sonetto Italian Restaurant, we embrace our roles to both entertain and educate while providing a genuine customer experience. See ad on page 26, 27.
RETAIL
BC VQA WINE INFORMATION CENTRE
#101-553 Vees Drive, Penticton Phone: (250) 490-2006 www.pentictonwineinfo.com Specialty retailer of BC VQA wines and fine wine giftware open daily. Local cheeses and bites. Friendly, knowledgeable staff. Designated BC VQA parking in front of the store. See ad on page 5.
laughingstock.ca
250.493.8466
naramata bench
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Laughing Stock Vineyards is approaching its 20th year of production. Since its inaugural vintage in 2003, LFNG has been a jewel in the Naramata Bench portfolio of wineries and a must stop for anyone seeking an intimate and in-depth wine experience. We are excited to share a variety of wines representative of both old world and new world winemaking styles, with our flagship wine Portfolio, as our most traded and valued stock option.
Our dedicated winemaking team sources fruit from our Naramata Bench and Perfect Hedge Vineyard in Osoyoos to create wines that are fresh and lively while offering aging potential for those who enjoy cellaring their wines. The Tasting Room is open by appointment from March to November. Our knowledgeable guest experience team would be delighted to meet you and introduce you to our wines as you take in the magical views from our Naramata Bench Estate. Reservations can be made online at laughingstock.ca or by calling 250-493-8466. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @lfngwine.
LAUGHING STOCK VINEYARDS 1548 Naramata Rd. Penticton, BC V2A 8T7 Phone: (250) 493-8466 info@laughingstock.ca www.laughingstock.ca
