Robert Bell's

Wines of Canada

Since 1992

British Columbia's Naramata Bench

Serendipity Winery

Serendipity

The Naramata Bench is bounded by lake shore, clay bluffs, vineyards, orchards and wilderness. Tree lined streets, artisan shops, museum, quaint country stores and nature trails are nearby. The Naramata Bench has optimal growing conditions due to the proximity of Okanagan Lake which provides for a long season. As of May 14th 2019 its an official Sub GI.

 


Aces Wine Group

1309 Smethurst Road,
Box 40
Naramata, BC V0H1N0





Opened in 2009 and owned by Holger Clausen in partnership. Holger is a tournament poker player which accounts for the wineries name. Holger states perfect grapes are like poker hands rare indeed His first release was a Syrah called Pocket Aces Syrah.

The winery focuses on limited production wines. Production in 2010 was 7,100 liters.

Consulting Winemaker: Jason Parkes




1 Mill Road

1 Mill Road
Naramata Village

Ben Bryant & Katie Truscott

 

Aug 4th 2022 Ben Bryant & Katie Truscott bought the winery.

Before moving to the Okanagan Valley in 2018, Ben Bryant was enjoying the job title ‘Chief
Winemaker Australia for Pernod Ricard Winemakers’, orchestrating some of the most wellknown
and important names in Australian wine (Jacobs Creek, St Hugo, and more). On a leap
of faith, he moved across the world to take a position with Mission Hill as VP of Winemaking for
the Mark Anthony Group. After 2 years with the business and a Wine Align ‘Canada’s Winery
of the Year’ under the belt, Ben set off on his own with the ultimate desire to dig roots and
create a collection of wines that his hands were on from farm to bottle. With an extensive
background in hospitality and marketing, Katie Truscott is originally from the Okanagan and
moved back in 2018 after a decade in South Africa. She found great success as a freelance
writer and storyteller in the South African wine world, publishing several wine related articles
and sharing with her large audience of followers as she worked her way through her Diploma
in Wines.

The winery and vineyards are located in the village of Naramata. 1 Mill road

They operate one vineyard growing only Pinot Noir. Grown on the Okanagan Valley’s heavier silty soils of the Naramata Bench, this vineyard site maximizes south west exposure and the close proximity to Okanagan Lake allows for long days and a long growing season. Handpicked and hand sorted, the grapes are fermented and aged in beautiful wooden French oak tanks in the Naramata Wine Vault.

Winemaker: David Enns
Philosophy:


Aasha

600 Naramata Rd.
Penticton, BC V2A 8T7

"
The owners are Gaurav Puri & Tracy Rook. They have a 2.81 acre micro-vineyard that sits on a south-facing slope overlooking the water and the mountains. They grow Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Viognier. Aasha means hope in sanskrit, and it’s also our owner Gauravs’ grandmother’s name.

Guarav is an emergency room physician in Toronto. His wife and partner, Tracy Rook, is a nurse.

"We never intended to be the sole owners of a winery in British Columbia. Our intention was to join this project as silent partners but the best laid plans often go awry. When the situation changed and the partnership broke apart, in 2013 we chose to take a chance.

But the story of Aasha is not ours alone. We set out to find the best people in the region to help us make the best wine possible. Wine we want to drink. Wine that reflects this hopeful little labour of love.  Our winery sits on a small sliver of land in the Naramata Bench region at the northern end of the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia. Each of our bottles features an illustration from our talented friend and artist, Reena Mistry, and a whimsical short story from key moments in our lives—the rough contours of the winding road that brought us here.

In 2020, we built a new micro-winery on the property but continue to make our wines with the support of Okanagan Crush Pad, where most of our previous vintages were made. In addition to our estate wines, we source Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from other small, top-tier vineyards in the province that are farmed sustain ably and produce great fruit.

In the fall of 2021, we were ready to release our first four wines. We plan on having two releases a year as we move forward with our hopeful venture. "

Winemaker is Pascal Madevon

Winemaking Philosophy We farm for quality, not quantity—always striving to produce wine that tells the pure and honest story of our land and the growing season. The growing season in the Okanagan is hot and dry, but our location at the center of the valley provides a slightly cooler micro-climate that allows us to pick later than most in the region. We prune for extremely low yields and leave our fruit to ripen slowly for the best quality possible. This ensures we can remain as hands-off as possible in the winery, letting the grapes and the soil shine through in the glass.


 



Bella Wines

4320 Gulch Rd
Naramata


Specializing in Sparking wines featuring Chardonnay and Gamay. Co- Owned by Jay Drysdale who completed his sommelier training in 2003. He managed Toasted Oak Wine Bar and Grill in Oliver receiving numerous awards for his BC wine list. His wife Wendy Rose is co-owner.

Wendy inherited her mother’s kitchen ( a chef) and in an effort to understand the mind of a chef deeper she took almost every class Dame Glenys Morgan taught at Dubrelle Culinary School in Vancouver, BC.  At the same time, her dad started an annual tradition of investigating a new emerging wine region in the hopes of deepening his relationship with his daughter while expanding her already developed palate.  It was a surprise to all that Wendy had not gone into service, kitchens or the cellars and instead rebelled into the technology industry.

In 2010, Wendy discovered the wines of the Okanagan Valley and decided, like her classes at Dubrelle, that she wanted to work as a cellar hand for a number of wineries to gain a deeper knowledge of wine production and viticulture.  It was during this leave from the tech industry that she found her true loves:  her now husband and their shared passion for sparkling wine.

In 2011 Bella Sparkling Wines was founded by Wendy and her husband.

Jay completed his ISG (International Sommelier Guild) training in 2003 and subsequently enjoyed the experience of being the general manager at the Toasted Oak Wine Bar and Grill in Oliver, BC where he ran the largest 100% BC wine list which garnered him the Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator three years in a row, among other accolades. Through the VQA store attached to “the Oak” he hosted tastings and wine classes and discovered the joy of teaching.  In 2008, Jay’s passion for BC wine led him into the role of the BC VQA liaison with the BC Wine Institute and in 2010 he took on the position of business development manager for Enotecca Winery and Resorts.  In 2012, Jay completed the Enology program at Washington State University.

After many years in the industry Jay wanted to capture his expression of the local wine scene in bottle – and Bella Wines was born.

Jay’s driving passion for the BC wine industry will never subside and he continues to be a wine judge, educator, and consultant through his BCwineguy persona. 


Philosophy: To capture the beauty of BC fruit in very bubble


Bench 1775 Estate Winery

1751 Naramata Road
Penticton, BC
V2A 8T8


Eric Liue is the owner.

The 7.5-hectare (18.5-acre) vineyard’s remarkable features include a lengthy private beach on Okanagan Lake. Named after the address of the winery, 1775 Naramata Road, along the beautiful Naramata Bench, Bench 1775 Winery is a celebration of land and place.

 Paradise Ranch, Whistler, and Bench 1775 brands icewines have been recognized at various wine competitions throughout the world, winning countless prestigious awards.

Their Patio has been referred to as "one of the best in the world"

Eric Liue also owns Stag's Hollow Winery

 


Black Widow Winery

1630 Naramata Road
Penticton, BC V2A 8T7


Dick Lancaster has been a noted amateur winemaker for over 30 years. In 2000 Dick and his wife Shona came across this beautiful seven acre property. It was already producing vines, with a panoramic view of Naramata Bench and the lake, it was too good to turn down. Taking on grape growing and commercial wine making was a natural progression, satisfying a long time passion.

The name represents the Black Widow spiders which are quite common on the property, and serve as a reminder that they are growing grapes in a desert region.

A gravity flow winery was constructed to produce Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris and Schönburger Merlot. All wines are produced from their own vineyard

Signature wines: Hourglass a bold Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blend-100% oak aged (predominantly French) for at least 21 months. Pinot Gris, harvested late, cold soaked, and partially barrel fermented.

Winemaker: Dick Lancaster assistant winemaker daughter Sharon
Philosophy: Grow really ripe fruit on our own property, making wines of intense flavour, bouquet, and character.


Carson Pinot Co

1060 Popular Grove Road
Naramata, BC VOH 8T6

A virtual winery. The name comes from the winemaker Chris Carson. Chris is also the winemaker for Meyer Family Vineyards. He loves the heartbreak grape, Pinot Noir and supervised the planting of 9000 new pinot vines in early 2009 at McLean Creek Road Vineyard of Meyer Family.

Winemaker: Chris Carson



Chain Reaction Winery

980 Naramata Road
Naramata, BC



The dream of Linda and Joel Chamaschuk began in 2018 when they converted an apple orchard into vineyard. They grow Pinot Noir, Riesling, Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc.

Joel was raised in New Westminister. He has a degree in Science from Simon Fraser University. Linda also had a busy career in the technology field. It all began in 1992 when they started camping in the Okanagan

Joel and Linda love cycling thus the name of the winery.

 



Coolshanagh Wines

RR1, S16, C47
Naramata, BC V0H 1N0


Opened in 2015 owners are Skip Stothert and his wife July. In 2003 Skip and Judy relocated from Deep Cove in North Vancouver to a 52-acre-site seven kilometers north of Naramata, directly above the water. Until recently all grapes were sold to other wineries.

Skip ran a successful highway paving business (Green Roads Recycling) while Judy taught Interior Design at BCIT while handling a select stable of clients. In 2003 Skip and Judy relocated from Deep Cove in North Vancouver to a 52-acre-site seven kilometers north of Naramata, directly above the water.

The unique, complex soil is studded with limestone and calcium carbonate. According to world renowned terroir specialist Dr. Pedro Parra, the Coolshanagh Vineyard offers some of the best exposure and soil structures for grape growing he had seen in the Okanagan, among the top 15% in the world.

Coolshanagh Vineyards is committed to sustainable farming and have begun the transition to organic farming

Currently Coolshanagh produces only a small batch Chardonnay, sourced only from estate fruit, and a Pinot Noir is in production.

Coolshanagh means, a Celtic word that belonged to Judy’s side of the family.the meeting place of friends

Winemaker: Matt Dumayne at Okanagan Crush Pad


D'Angelo Estate Winery


979 Lochore Road
Penticton, BC V2A 8V1


D'Angelo Estate Winery was established in 1983 by Vintner Sal D'Angelo in Amherstburg, Ontario; the D'Angelo Family has a rich history in Canada 's wine making industry.

Illness forced Sal to move to the drier climate of the Okanagan. After vacationing for many years in the Penticton area in 2002 he purchased 27 acres, where he built a gravity flow winery.

The winery now has 9 acres planted on the 27 acre property; just some of their varietals include Pinot Noir, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet, Tempranillio and Viogner. Recent addition of Montepulciano planted in 2018,

As a winemaker Sal specializes in reds and icewines, in 2006 Sal produced Canada's first Tempranillo icewine, released in the summer of 2008. His flagship wine is called Settle Coppa which means seven measures

D'Angelo Winery operates as a family business with daughter Stephanie and son Christopher.

Sal D'Angelo was named Ontario's Grape King in 1999.

Winemaker Sal D'Angelo

 


DayDreamer Wines

1305 Smethurst Road
Naramta, BC


Marcus Ansems uncle was one of the most influential cool climate Australian winemakers, at one of the highest regarded wineries in the country. He graduated from Adelaide University Roseworthy program with a Bachelor of Science (Oenology major) in 1996. Since then he has worked over 30 vintages around the world making wine in Europe, South Africa, Australia and Canada.

Marcus became a well known winemaker in BC working at Blasted Church and Therapy Vineyards. He and his wife Rachel had a dream to own their own winery.

The winery’s Merlot-based blend is named Amelia, for their daughter. Daydreamer launched with about 1,000 cases including Chardonnay and the two Syrahs, one co-fermented with Viognier.

Winemaker: Marcus Ansems
Winemaking Philosophy:

  • Find a great vineyard where the fruit speaks to you.
  • If the grapes are organic-then all the better.
  • Harvest the grapes when they are balanced-acidity is as important as sugar.
  • Treat the grapes gently, hand pick and use basket presses if possible.
  • Work the ferments by hand-it is good for you and the wine.
  • Use new oak sparingly- as it will mask the fruit.
  • Gravity and time are your friend. Wines will filter themselves given enough of both.
  • Use sulfur sparingly- avoid adding anything to the wine that you don't absolutely need.
  • There is no secret to making good wine, it's all just about attention to detail.
  • Make wines that you want to drink – not just wines that will win medals.


Deep Roots


860 Tillar Rd.
Naramata


The winery is owned by Bryan and Debra Hardman. The Hardman family has been growing apples in Naramata since 1919

Bryan planted two hectares (five acres) of grapes in 1996 “just to see if I liked it.” When he did, he gradually replaced his apple trees with vines and left the apple business entirely in 2010. Now he owns eight hectares (20 acres) of vineyard and manages another four hectares (10 acres).(1)

It was their son Will who began working at various wineries that led to their decision to grow grapes and produce wine. Will studied winemaking at Okanagan College. He has done crushes with wineries in New Zealand and South Africa. He also worked with Van Westen Vineyards, where Deep Roots made its 2012 vintage, a total of 13 barrels of Merlot, Malbec and Syrah.

New facilities were opened in 2013 launched with just over 1,000 cases of wine. Merlot, Malbec and Syrah,Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Gamay Noir

Their 2017 Syrah was named wine of the year at The Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Best Wine in British Columbia 2019. Their 2016 Parentage red won Platinum. 2017 Malbec won Gold.

The National Wine Awards of Canada is thrilled to announce that Deep Roots Winery on the Naramata Bench is the 2023 Best Performing Small Winery of the Year.  

Winemaker: Will Hardman
Philosophy: to celebrate the exceptional fruit that grows in our vineyards ~ our wines reflect that pride in our quality viticulture.


Elephant Island Orchard Winery


2730 Aikens Loop
RR1 S5 C18
Naramata, BC V0H 1N0



Located in Naramata on Okanagan Lake's east shore among the fruit farms crafting fine fruit wines has been a tradition in the Wisnicki family for more than four generations. Coupling this rich history with the international training and experience of consulting oeanologist, Christine Leroux, Proprietors, Miranda and Del Halliday named their winery after Elephant Island paying tribute to Miranda's Grand Parents (Wisnicki) who built their retirement home on the Island.

Winemaker: Christine Leroux who trained at the L'Institut D'Oenologie de Bordeaux, in Bordeaux, France.



Earlco Holdings Ltd

Three Sisters Winery

1493 Todd Road
Penticton BC
V2A 8T6



In 2003 John and Liz Lawrence, acquired a 15 acre property with a 7.5 acre planted vineyard. This retirement plan, although somewhat a hare-brained scheme, was based on a long family history of farming, a passion for growing and an appreciation of vineyards from around the world. Earlco Holdings Ltd was created.

The name is derived after naming the vineyard blocks using the names of their three daughters; Emily, Abby and Rebecca Lawrence and put into a Company! Wines are produced under the Earlco label and Three Sister Winery.

The company Earlco manages vineyards for clients, provides consulting services and makes wines for various clients.

Winemaker: Matthew Mikulic
Philosophy: is to do as much in the vineyards as possible so the wines are as natural as possible in the bottle.



Four Shadows Vineyards and Winery

250 Upper Bench Road S
Penticton, British Columbia
four shadows winery


Since 2011, Joka & Wilbert Barren have grown grapes on the Naramata Bench. As of September, 2017, they now have their winery license. Both born and raised in Holland, Wilbert left for Canada as a teenager with the dream of owning his own farm someday and Joka, seeking for adventure, left Holland in her early twenties. 
They met in 1990 in an Irish pub in Red Deer, Alberta. A few years later they got married, bought a farm near Lacombe, Alberta and started a family. 


In 2010 the farm was sold and in the Fall of 2011 they moved, with their 4 sons, to the scenic Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, where they bought a vineyard

Family means the world to us. The Four Shadows name was inspired by a photograph of our four sons during a family vacation in Mexico. Even though our boys are growing up and     following their own dreams, they are still a big part of Four Shadows. They have left their mark - from helping in the vineyard, renovating the tasting room building, or making the   beautiful sign that hangs outside our tasting room. 

They own a 12 acres vineyard and the varietals we grow are : Merlot, Pinot Noir, Zweigelt, Chardonnay, Riesling and Pinot Blanc.- 1600 cases to be released May 2019. (Pinot Noir, Merlot, Riesling, Chardonnay and Rosé)

signature wines will be the Pinot Noir and Riesling.

Wines are produced with the assistance from Tightrope’s Lindsay O’Rourke and
  consulting winemaker Pascal Madevon.



Fox and Archer

655 Naramata Rd
Penticton, BC

Fox and Archer winery

 

The winery is named after the owners the husnabd and wife team of Daine Fox and Tyson Archer.
All our fruit is grown and produced on the Naramata Bench at our property and sourced from the Fox family vineyard.

 Fox family vineyard is one of the highest vineyards on the Naramata Bench. We believe that due to this elevation, wide open and rocky south facing slope, we can grow some beautiful fruit. We have optimal sun and wind movement, and the slight temperature variance from the higher elevation helps keep the acid balanced on the warm days during the ripening season.

Winemaker:
Philosophy:


Foxtrot Vineyards

120 Gawne Road
Naramata, BC
V0H 1N1

 

Foxtrot Vineyards is a boutique winery focused on crafting terroir-driven Pinot Noir and premium Chardonnay. Foxtrot has built a reputation as the premier producer of age-worthy Pinot Noir in the Okanagan Valley, BC by showcasing grapes grown from 24-year-old own-rooted vines in its estate vineyard — demonstrating what the Naramata Bench sub-region can achieve when a pure and subtle hand is applied.

Douglas Barzelay and Nathan Todd purchased the winery in Aug 2018.

Douglas Barzelay is an authority on the wines of Burgundy and co-author the book, Burgundy Vintages – A History from 1844

A winery with a most spectacular view formerly owned by Torsten and Kicki Allander. The winery specializes in an ultra-premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The original owner was Donald Munro, a professor of forestry at the University of British Columbia, and his wife Carol purchased a four-acre plot of land in the heart of the Naramata Bench early 1990s. In 1997 and 1998 they began planting pinot noir vines, to Professor Munro’s exacting specifications. All of the vines, from Dijon clone 115, were own-rooted. Initially, the grapes were sold to Kettle Valley Winery, and a few bottles from that era still exist today.

The label acknowledges a resident Black Bear that lived around the vineyard. Sometimes he has been known to make an appearance at picking time and pickers would comment that it looked like he was dancing when standing up on his hind legs. The winery came to affectionately call him Fred.


Winemaking Philosophy: We believe that a wine should be an expression of its place, of the particular soils and microclimate from which it comes, the vines and grapes that give it life, and the weather conditions that shape it, all animated by the sensibility of the individuals who make it. Great wine is not replicable from place to place nor the same from year to year. Foxtrot is fortunate to make its home on the Naramata Bench, whose unique terroir we seek to express in complex, elegant, and age-worthy Pinot Noirs.

 



High Notes Estate Vineyard

1435 Naramata Road
Naramata, BC V0H1N0





A small five acre vineyard with stunning views of Okanagan Lake. It belongs to the Montalvino Family of Wineries which incldes Gadzook Vinery and Uppercase Winery.

The winery was founded by Bert Evertt, with the support of Ruth Hanbury (Director of Operations) and Levi Gogolinski (Director of Marketing).


Hillside Estate Winery

1350 Naramata Road
Naramata, BC V2A 8T6

Hillside Estate winery


Hillside Estate was started in 1984 when Vera and Bohumir Klockockas began replacing fruit trees with vines in the orchard they had purchased in 1979 on Naramata Road, just north of the city of Penticton, BC. The couple had decided the site would be ideal for a vineyard because of the gravelly topsoil on a slope which faced west, catching the direct rays of the sun and reflections off nearby Lake Okanagan. The winery is currently owned by a group of investors.

Winemaker Kathy Malone is focusing, as much as she can on making Hillside wines with grapes grown on the Naramata Bench. “We want to show the Naramata fruit,” she says. “It is the best place in the Okanagan to grow grapes.”

Hillside is the only BC winery producing Muscat Ottonel, a truly unique and unusual aromatic white wine. The winery has a barrel room, bistro and tasting room. The Barrel Room Bistro offers delightful lunches and dinners, featuring a second story patio with an amazing view of Okanagan Lake and surrounding orchards and vineyards. They produce about 12,000 cases a year from 40 acres of vineyards

In 1989 Hillside, together with Lang Vineyards and Wild Goose, lobbied the Provincial Government to bring about the Farmgate Winery Policy that was instrumental in changing the B.C. Wine Industry. The new policy allowed small vineyards of five acres or less to not only produce wine but also to sell it directly from their premises

Their Bistro has the distinction of being awarded “Best Restaurant Associated with a Winery in the South Okanagan

Winemaker: Kathy Malone
Winemaking Philosophy: We have made a commitment to producing quality wines with only the best Okanagan Valley grapes.


Howling Bluff Winery

1086 Three Mile Rd
Penticton, BC V2A 8T6

Howling Bluff Winery

Owner Luke Smith spent six months searching for the right location. He had been dreaming of owning a winery for twenty years and found his vineyard in the Naramata Bench
and called his 20 acres Summa Quies Vineyard. The winery he named Howling Bluff a name which came when he stood in his vineyard on a windy day listening to the dogs barking.

In 2022 Luke and Jennifer Smith announce a new partnership with Blair and Faith Gillingham, another Penticton family, at Howling Bluff Estate Winery on the Naramata Bench.  
With over 20 years of winemaking experience globally and the last several vintages making award-winning wines on the Naramata Bench, Blair now assumes the role of winemaker at Howling Bluff. This will allow Luke to take on a larger role of turning the winery into a net-zero farm and winery, and radically reducing use of fossil fuels at Howling Bluff.  
“It was time to bring some young energy to the winery, and I’m excited about Blair’s talent and his experience with cool climate wines here in Canada, Europe, and the Southern Hemisphere,” says Howling Bluff founder Luke Smith. 

The vineyard was first planted in 2003 with additional plantings in 2004/2005/2006/2007/2008 and the first wine making facility built in 2007.

The goal is to produce 2000-3000 cases of estate wine, three wines, a Sauvignon Blanc, a Pinot Noir and Sin Cera our Merlot/Cab franc/Cab sav/Malbec/Petite Verdot blend

Signature wines: Sin Cera and Pinot Noir

The winery strives to make the best possible wines using 100% estate grown grapes.

Winemaker: Chris Carson
Winemaking Philosophy: Grow the best grapes to make the best wine possible


JoieFarm Winery

2825 Naramata Rd
(Access through Aikins Loop)
Naramata, BC
V0H1N1

Joie Winery


JoieFarm is one of the Okanagan Valley's premiere boutique wineries. The winery has consistently earned national and international acclaim for their wines since the first vintage release in 2004. Production has steadily grown annually 18,000 cases. .

Alistair Veen and partners purchased the winery in June 2022.Veen is the owner & chef of South Surrey’s Tap Restaurant, which opened in 2007. He has received the Advanced Sommelier designation from the Court of Master Sommeliers and was named Best Sommelier of BC in 2016. Along with the purchase of the winery and the four-acre vineyard property on-site, the new owners have purchased an additional 62 acres of vines throughout the Okanagan Valley, with plans to invest even further in acquiring estate vineyard properties.

Joie (zh-wah) – means “joy” in French and it expresses the pleasure that wine and food bring to life. Internationally renowned for aromatic white wines, mouth-watering rosé and award-winning Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

The winery has 6 acres of Muscat Giallo and Gewürztraminer. Vineyards on long-term leased include Gamay, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Auxerrois, and Viognier.

 

signature wines? A Noble Blend, ‘Re-Think Pink’ Rosé, ‘En Famille’ Reserve Chardonnay

Their facilities include a bocce court with crushed oyster shell and regulation balls.

Winemaker:
Philosophy: to make the best naturally balanced wines possible, defined by their freshness and intensity of fruit.




Kettle Valley Winery


2988 Hayman Road
Naramata, BC

Kettle Valley Winery


In 1996 Bob Ferguson and Tim Watts opened their winery. The winery was named after the old railway that used to run along the eastern shore. They started operations in a 3 car garage focusing more on the quality of the wine than expansion. They own several vineyards on the bench equaling 20 acres.

In his book British Columbia Wine country author John Schreiner states Kettle Valley makes some of the boldest and longest lived wines on Naramata Bench. Ferguson describes their wines as big, robust and full bodied.

Old Main Red is one of their signature wines; a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot.

Kettle Valley Winery was named after the railway that had first tied Naramata together with the outside world, and which was the one place from which we could see all our vineyards at the same time.

Read more





La Frenz Winery


740 Naramata Road
Penticton, BC


This winery opened in 2002 with Jeff and Niva Martin owners. Jeff had worked as the winemaker at Quails' Gate for five years before starting his own winery. He has a degree in Enology/ Wine Science, from Charles Stuart University, Australia resulting in 30 years of winemaking and viticulture experience in both North and Southern hemispheres

The Martins named the winery after Jeff's Grandfather. His ten acre vineyard on the bench includes Shiraz, Merlot, Viognier and Schönburger. Another vineyard also ten acres, is located on the Golden Mile near Oliver. A second vineyard on the Bench was planted in 2008.

The wineries direction is to remain small and focus on continuing to craft stellar wines. Two of their wines were selected for Queen Elizabeth's Gala dinner during her visit in May 2005. Their 2005 Merlot was selected as wine of the show at the Northwest wine summit, Portland 2007. A first for a Canadian wine

Elise Martin, youngest daughter of Jeff and Niva Martin has joined the team as vineyard manager.

Signature wines: Shiraz, Semillon, Viognier. Liqueur Muscat, Tawny Port

Platinum 2017 Nationals La Frenz 2015 Ensemble Reserve,

2017 winners of The Best Small Winery of the Year at The National Wine Awards


Philosophy: To over deliver in the glass




Lake Breeze Vineyard


930 Sammet Road,
Naramata, BC VOH 1N0

Lake Breeze winery


The winery is located on the eastern hillside overlooking Okanagan Lake. Historically an orchard, the first European vinifera were planted in 1985. Lake Breeze Vineyards is proud to be the first winery in Canada to grow and produce Pinotage, the native South African variety. Pinotage was developed in South Africa in the 1920s and is a cross between pinot noir and cinsaut (often referred to as hermitage).

The winery is group owned by the husband and wife teams consisting of Gary Reynolds and Tracy Ball and Drew and Barbara MacIntyre. Gary Reynolds is the operating partner. The winery is named after the winds that blow along the lake. Garron Elmes, the winemaker at Lake Breeze Vineyards, was given the additional title of president.

Winery property is 12 acres, 9 of which are planted. Producing 11,000 cases signature wines: Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Meritage

They also produce MacIntyre Heritage Reserve.

A licensed patio offers light lunches.

Winemaker: Garron Elmes
Philosophy: Let the grapes speak for themselves. Our wines are fresh, clean expressions of the grape with minimal intervention.



Lang Vineyards


2493 Gammon Road, RR1, S11, C55,
Naramata, BC VOH INO


Overlooking Okanagan Lake, Lang Vineyards has a magnificent view of the valley.

Lang Vineyards opened their doors in 1990 the first farm gate winery in BC and has grown from it's humble beginnings into one of the Okanagan's foremost boutique wineries. The winery was purchased by Yong Wang in 2010, Gunther Lang has continued on as a consultant.

Lang has long been a proponent of Maréchal Foch, a French hybrid that once was ubiquitous in Okanagan

Pinot Meunier, a classic Champagne grape, grows in their vineyard

Winemaker : Robert Thielicke



Laughing Stock Vineyards

1548 Naramata Rd
Penticton, BC
V2A 8T7


Sold to Arterra Wines in 2017

Located on a 5 acre parcel in Naramata Laughing Stock is the long time dream of David and Cynthia Enns. Considering their background in the investment industry, this move from Vancouver to the Okanagan to open a winery has resulted in their trading in financial stocks for grape stocks. In the eyes of their peer group, this venture could be interpreted as a whimsical, romantic, and well, ... foolish investment. A financial decision that could make Cynthia and David the outright laughing stock in the eyes of their workmates in the financial industry. David often humorously refers to having made a Vow of Poverty when he decided to build a winery.

Laughing Stock is a name that will raise an eyebrow or two in the Okanagan Valley. It counters the traditional approach to wine marketing - largely based on elegance, refinement, stature, heritage etc. It also magnifies the vulnerability that Cynthia and David must bear. Every morning, they wake up motivated NOT to do anything that would validate their winery name. With a name like Laughing Stock, they have no choice but to produce exceptional wines.

The Enns' purchase included some vineyard planted to Merlot and they have since planted additional acreage, Bordeaux varietals such as Cab Sauv, Cab Franc, Petit Verdot & Malbec. The first crush was completed in 2003 and they will be releasing a premium red blend in fall 2005 after 18 months of barrel aging. 

November 28th 2017 – Arterra Wines Canada, Inc. (AWC) announced today an agreement to acquire Laughing Stock Vineyards (LFNG), a family-owned, premium boutique winery, founded in 2003 by David and Cynthia Enns.

Winemaker: David Enns
Assistant Winemaker: Jonas Greig
Winemaking philosophy: Winemaking will follow Bordeaux directives of creating a blend of up to 5 of the Bordeaux varieties for our flagship red wine.  Extended barrel aging with a combination of new and used French oak will create the depth and complexity that comes from patient winemaking. 




Little Engine Wine

851 Naramata Road 
Penticton, BC V2A 8V2 





The winery owned by Steve and Nicole French opens in 2016. Their motto is Dreams don’t come true, dreams are made true and so began the journey. Why Little Engine…. because each and everyone one of us has a Little Engine Story; relating to the fable the Little Engine That Could.

Varietals based on terroir and the ability to influence with barrels. Two properties planted in Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Merlot would mark estate production while Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon would make up the balance of the portfolio.

Scott Robinson is the winemaker. Scott furthers the industry’s growth as a Winemaking instructor at the Okanagan College and serves on the BC Wine Grape Council Research & Development Committee as Enology Conference Chair.

Winemaker: Scott Robinson
Philosophy: Our philosophy begins in the vineyard with precise pruning, canopy management, leafing and cluster thinning. We pursue low yields with the aim of fruits with intense concentration. Hand selected fruit combined with minimally-invasive winemaking techniques allow for our wines pure expression. A combination of natural yeasts, gentle maceration, French oak barrels and attention to every detail, result in wines of depth, character, elegance and finish.



Lock & Worth

1060 Popular Grove Road
Naramata, BC VOH 8T6


The partners are Ross Hackworth, the owner of Nichol
Vineyard, and Matthew Sherlock. The winery was launched as Clean Slate but, after a trademark conflict with a German wine brand, the partners switched to a name crafted from their surnames

The location use to be the home of Poplar Grove winery before they moved. It is a better location tourist wise for Ross. Here too he can try more varietals than he is able to at Nichol Vineyards. Lock & Worth Winery shares a tasting room with Poplar Grove Cheese. 

Winemaker: Ross Hackworth

We strongly believe that one should be able to drink high quality, single vineyard (non-commodity), small production wines that are priced reasonably from British Columbia. We plan to be around 20 years from now, not by becoming a large company but by creating a sustainable business within our community. For us part of that means making wines that always over deliver.



Maple Leaf Spirits Inc.


948 Naramata Road
Penticton, BC
V2A 8V1
Canada




Originally from Southern Germany, Jorg decided to start a distillery in the tradition of his ancestors. In 2005, he and his wife Anette formed Maple Leaf Spirits Inc. They produce  European style fruit brandies, spirits and liqueurs along with Skinny Gewürztraminer and Aged Skinny Syrah.

Winemaker:



Marichel Vineyards and Winery

1016 Littlejohn Rd.
Naramata, BC
V0H 1N0


This is a small winery on Naramata Bench, 500 cases per year. Marichel will produce bold wines primarily from estate grown grapes and always with fruit grown on the Naramata Bench. Their focus is to produce very limited wines. They have 3 hectares of Syrah and Viognier planted.

The vineyard’s name is a combination of the first initials of Elisabeth’s son Marlow, Richard and Elisabeth


Requests for information were respectfully declined by the winery

Owned by Richard and Elizabeth Roskell

Winemaker:  Richard Roskell 

offerings from this  farm are an expression of love of Naramata. This is a special place for growing and making wine.



Meyer Family Vineyards


965 Old Main Road
Naramata, BC V0H 1R1


In 2006 the Meyer family purchased 3.1 acres of land on the Naramata Bench's Old Main Road. The land had ten year old Chardonnay vines. A team was put in place to create great wines. The team consists of James Cluer General manager, Rhys production manager, Pierre LeVesque as vineyard manager and winemaker, along with Laura and Terry Meyer. Proprietors are Jak and his wife Janice

In 2008 they expanded by purchasing property in Okanagan Falls; 6.9 Hectares planted mostly with Pinot Noir. The tasting room is located at 4287 Mclean Road. Between the two vineyards there are 7 acres of Chardonnay, 7 acres of Pinot Noir, 4.5 acres of Gewürztraminer and 1.5 acre of Merlot.

Signature wines are the tribute series Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Meyer Family wines can be found in BC and Alberta.

Owners: JAK Meyer and Janice Stevens

Winemaker: Chris Carson
Philosophy Single vineyard wines with an emphasis on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. We believe that wines are made in the vineyard and have a very hands off approach to winemaking. Each vineyard and vintage is made to showcase and reflect the terroir






Misconduct Wine Company

Da Silva Vineyards

375 Upper Bench Road
Penticton B.C V2A 4W6


Richard da Silva and his wife Twylla own the winery. The name is a nod to the clandestine, rambunctious Roaring Twenties

Their motto : know where your wine grows

Suspect Series is hand-crafted in the cellar, our single vineyard and small lot Suspect series wines reflect the unique attributes of the finest terroirs in the south Okanagan and Similkameen Valley. Elegant, focused and terroir driven, serious wine collectors will cellar and covet these wines for years

Bootleg Series is handcrafted in the cellar from our small lot Suspect Series vineyards. Final blends are made on the crush pad during primary fermentation while the vineyard wine components are at their most expressive. From our Alsatian inspired Misfit to The Big Take, our classic Bordeaux blend, our Bootleg Series blends are unique, fun and bold.


The Kitchen, located at Misconduct Wine Co, harkens to the winemaker’s Portuguese roots. Chef Abuls’ ever-changing menu offers a range of extraordinary, unique, and delicious Portuguese dishes with a Mexican flair.

In 2018 they added the Da Silva Vineyards label

Winemaker: Richard da Silva

Philosophy: As terroir négociants with over 60 years of farming in the South Okanagan, we believe terroir – the soil, site and climate of a particular region – trumps all. “I’m a terroirist”, declares owner winemaker Richard da Silva. “Place is fundamentally important to wine, and some grape varieties flourish better in other regions. I’m prepared to go anywhere in the Okanagan and Similkameen Valley for the best fruit.”



Monster Cellars Winery

1010 Tupper Ave.
Penticton, BC
V2A 8S5

Created in the 2006 vintage with sales beginning the following year, it is a sister label to Poplar Grove producing valued wines. Their labels celebrate the enduring myth of Ogopogo

Produced out of Popular Grove

Winemaker: Stefan Arnasen (senior winemaker) Nadine Allander and Kitson Stewart,


Mocojo Winery

1202 Gawne Road
Naramata, BC V0I 1N0

Mocojo Winery


Kon Oh immigrated from to Alberta when he was 16. His father was a leader in the 4-H. Once married to his wife Dianne they ran a successful fresh cut flower business before taking the plunge to move to BC and start a winery

They have 3 children. MOCOJO is their initials in birth order

Kon has been mentored by winemaker Richard Kanazawa,
a neighbour and a friend.

Wines include Maréchal Foch, Gewürztraminer, Viognier and Malbec.

Winemaker: Kon Oh



Montagu Cellars Winery

29 1350 W 6th Ave
Vancouver, BC
V6H 1A7

na


The vineyards are in Naramata, the offices in Vancouver. It's a small winery producing only three barrels of Merlot and one of Chardonnay each vintage. Proprietor Tom Doughty has sold his wines even before they are bottled.

 Doughty is a Vancouver restaurateur and sommelier so talented, he was named the city’s sommelier of the year in 2005.

Winemaker: Tom Doughty



Moraine Estate Winery Winery

1865 Naramata Rd Penticton, BC V2A8V1

Moraine Winery is named after the splendid glacial terrain and white clay bluffs that have created the iconic image of the Naramata Bench. The winery is owned by husband-wife team of Oleg and Svetlana Aristarkhov.

From its shelf-like location above striking clay bluffs, Moraine peers over the landscape and water. These iconic glaciated white clay cliffs comprise the breathtaking Naramata Bench and inspire the winery’s land-formed name. They have 10.5 acres producing 1500 cases. The 12-year old Anastasia Estate vineyard is planted with Merlot, Pinot Gris, Viognier, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Shiraz and Riesling, with the smaller Sophia vineyard currently growing Pinot Noir.

The winery awarded a Double Gold award for our 2013 Pinot Noir, and a Bronze for our 2012 Pinot Noir at the 2015 International Pinot Competition

Signature wines are Pinot Gris, Viognier, Merlot Pinot Gris and Merlot

Winemaker: Dwight Sick as their new winemaker and director of vineyard / winery operations.
Philosophy: Small batches, high quality



Nichol Vineyards & Estate Winery

1285 Smethurst Road
Naramata, BC V0H 1N0


Nestled below the granite cliffs of the historic Kettle Valley Railway overlooking the sweeping majesty of Okanagan Lake. Nichol Vineyard has been creating hand-crafted specialty wines from estate-grown Okanagan grapes since 1993. The winery is owned by Ross Hackworth.

Signature wine: Syrah. They took a risk by planting Syrah and St. Laurent. It was a good risk; the Syrah has won them numerous awards.

Ross also produces the Clean Slate label.

Winemaker: Ross Hackworth
Winemaking Philosophy: The gentle handling of the wine from must through to bottling is paramount. An approach that is best done manually when possible. This style is labour intensive, but one that better allows the winemaker to assist the wine in expressing its natural traits and seasonal characteristics. Ross also believes in giving his wines an extra year to age.


Origin Wines

1278 Riddle Road,
Penticton BC V2A 8X2

A new winery opening June 2017 owned by Daiya Anderson and Blake Anderson. They have 2 vineyards on the Naramata. One one on the east side of Penticton and one on the west side. 8 acres. Grapes West Side: Pinot Noir/Gewurtz/Merlot Grapes East Side: Cab Franc/Syrah/Malbec/Viognier.

The Andersons both come from the Okanagan in a farming community. Blake's parents had a vineyard and he grew up planning, planting and managing vineyards. Daiya came from the restaurant industry and was passionate about wine since starting in the industry at age 19. They both dreamt of starting a winery together. They began the process of purchasing property and planting a vineyard in 2009. Our vision to get back to our origins have been in the works for some time

Their goal is to be a land based small family run winery and be a pristine location for weddings. We want our land to be somewhere people dream of coming back to year after year.

Winemaker: Daiya Anderson / Blake Anderson
Philosophy: Our goal is to help each person find a wine they love. Our experience is unpretentious and dare we say fun! We offer a unique blind tasting session to help facilitate this philosophy.





Poplar Grove

425 Middle Bench Rd
Penticton, BC
V2A 8T6


Ian and Gitta Sutherland bought 12 acres on Okanagan Lake. In 1993 the apple trees were replaced by a vineyard using Merlot and Cabernet franc clones from Bordeaux. The winery opened in 1997 with '95 Merlot and '95 cab franc. Owners Ian and Gitta Sutherland won a Gold medal in 1997 for their very first release. This family run winery works on a very limited scale.

In 2007 Tony and Barbara Holler purchased 75% of the winery. Ian Sutherland and Barrie Sali completes the ownership team. A new building opened in 2011 at the foothills of Munson Mountain the gateway to the Naramata Bench. Barbara Holler owns 110 acres of vineyards located through the southern Okanagan.

Signature wine: Syrah

Winemakers Ian Sutherland, Stefan Amason



Red Rooster Winery

891 Naramata Rd
Naramata, BC
V2A 8T5


Located on the scenic Naramata Bench Road where breathtaking lake and mountain views surround the vineyard. The winery was originally started by a couple who immigrated from Switzerland. The winery's founders kept Rhode Island Reds; because roosters are good luck symbols in many cultures; and because roosters have a long association with wine (for example, the rooster is the symbol of the Chianti region of Italy.)

Today Red Rooster is owned and operated by Andrew Peller Ltd who also owns Calona Wines.

The winery produces Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris Riesling and Merlot.

Winemaker: Karen Gillis
Winemaking Philosophy: "Quality before quantity"


Roche Wines

60 Upper Bench Road,
Penticton BC, V2A 8T1


Dylan and Pénélope Roche bought an eight-acre block last summer (2014) on Upper Bench Road in Penticton. Currently, that includes 3.5 acres of Schönburger (under contract to another winery) and one acre of Zweigelt

Dylan left North Vancouver in 2000 to work as a bicycle mechanic in Burgundy instead he obtained a diploma in viticulture and winemaking in Beaune leading to an apprenticeships in the Côte d’Or, Chablis, and New Zealand. Five years in Bordeaux included teaching oenology and sensory evaluation classes at château Lynch-Bages in Pauillac, and managing a small estate in Margaux.

Pénélope was born in France, with five generations of winemaking and viticulture behind her in the family estate, Château Les Carmes in Haut-Brion. She also has formal winemaking and experience in Spain, New Zealand and Australia.




Winemakers:


Rose Estate Winery

1775 Naramata Road
Penticton, BC
V2A 8T8

Rose Estate exemplifies what the flower represents, beauty, love,youth and fortune. Rose Estate wines, produced and bottled by Bench1775, are made with the fruit of Naramata Bench Vineyards and from other carefully selected growers from the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys.

The winery has gained a strong reputation for its Late Harvest and Icewines. 2013 PR Riesling Icewine 375m - GOLD! 2014 InterVin International Wine Awards

Winemaker: Alain Sutre



Ruby Blues Winery

917 Naramata Rd
Penticton, BC
V2A 8V1


This small but funky winery is owned by Beat and Prudence Mahrer, formerly of Red Rooster Winery. In a song by the Rolling Stones" Goodbye Ruby Tuesday " there is a line: " catch your dreams before they slip away." It reflects why the Mahrers returned to start a second winery to allow Prudence more contact with the people. On the production building there is a 30 meter mural symbolizing the lyrics from the song. However they had to change the name to Ruby Blues due to copy-rites issues.

The winery plans to stay small producing about 3999 cases. The wines are Viognier, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer and Riesling. In the Reds: Syrah, Merlot and Cab. Sauvignon and their signature blend Red Siletto.

Winners of four Lieutenant Governors Award of Excellence for Canadian Wines for their Viognier

Graham Pierce is headed to the Naramata Bench. Pierce has joined Ruby Blues as full time Head Winemaker


Winemaking Philosophy: To reflect the terroir from the Naramata Bench. 95% of the grapes are grown on the Bench


Serendipity Winery

990 Lower Debeck Rd
Naramata, BC
V0H 1N0

 


Judy Kingston a Toronto lawyer decided to switch careers and purchased an Orchard on the Naramata Bench in 2006. Beginning in the spring, the property was completely re-landscaped to provide the optimum slope and orientation for the new vineyard. Judy selected the wine varietals for planting to match the micro climate and four distinct soil types that make up the property.

In the spring of 2007, she planted eight acres of vines with Syrah and Merlot as the main reds, and Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc as the whites. Subsequently she has added to the vineyard with the additional planting of Syrah, Cabernet Franc and a little Malbec for blending. Two additional acres of Pinot Noir were planted in 2011. The first harvest was in 2006

Winemakers: Katie O'Kell





Three Sisters Winery


1250 Munson Ave
Penticton, BC, V2A 8S5


In 2003 John and Liz Lawrence, acquired a 15 acre property with a 7.5 acre planted vineyard. This retirement plan, although somewhat a hare-brained scheme, was based on a long family history of farming, a passion for growing and an appreciation of vineyards from around the world.  Co owners are Matthew Mikulic and Rebecca Lawrence

Earlco Vineyards Ltd was shaped in response to the burgeoning wine industry in the Okanagan, particularly on the Naramata Bench. The name is simply derived from the naming of our vineyard blocks after, the three sisters: Emily, Abby and Rebecca Lawrence and put into a Company! After 10 years the company has extended its own vineyards and entered into arrangements with local owners for the care and maintenance of their vineyards. Now farming over 160 acres of vineyards, Earlco Vineyards Ltd is a well-established and recognized viticulture company in the Okanagan.

Signature wines are the Three Sister series

Winemaker: Matt Mikulic
Winemaking Philosophy: Minimalistic approach with a focus on farming grapes




Tightrope Winery


1050 Fleet Rd
Penticton, BC V2A 8T7


After years of studying and working for other wineries Lyndsay and Graham O'Rourke decided to open their own winery. Having attained honours degrees in both oenology and viticulture while studying in New Zealand at Lincoln University. Graham worked at Mission Hill and Lyndsay was the winemaker at Ruby Blues Winery. After working throughout the Okanagan Valley Graham felt the Naramata Bench offered the best terroir to produce fresh wines with excellent fruit & minerality that would also offer great age-ability. Lyndsay and Graham made a welcome return to the Okanagan Valley, settling on the Naramata Bench in 2007.

The first vineyard was purchased in 2007 which was then an apple orchard. Vines were plated in 2007-2008. The first vintage was 2012. Today they have 3 vineyards all on the Naramata Bench - Fleet Road (home vineyard); Thomas Vineyard; Marmot Vineyard.

signature wines: Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc - Sémillon, Pinot Noir, Syrah

Tightrope is an evocative term for them. “It represents the balancing act you go through when you make wine, from decisions in the vineyard, depending on the season, to decisions in the winery and winemaking. All of those variables have to be balanced.”

They are member of Sustainable Winegrowing B.C.

Winemaker: Lyndsay O'Rourke
Winemaking Philosophy:In a word balance! To allow the fruit & terroir to express themselves through minimal intervention in the wine-making process. Across the lineup, the wines feature a bright acidity, balance & an elegant tannin structure.'



Township 7 Winery


1450 McMillian Ave
Penticton, BC
V2A 8T4


Today the winery is owned by Ge Song of Beijing.

The winery continues to make renovations as their popularity increases. Their production is 12000 cases.

The winery owns Blue Terrace Vineyards in Oliver.

Mary McDermott is the winemaker. Mary’s focus is to enhance the winery’s Bordeaux-style reds, add a Champagne-style sparkling range, and to produce more single-vineyard wines. Already, Mary’s efforts are yielding results, with her sparkling range winning numerous accolades and drawing media attention throughout the Pacific Northwest of Canada and the US.

This is Township 7's second location. They opened their original location (2001) in Langley's Township 7. Since the winery was so successful they felt it would be wrong to change the name at the Naramata location.

Two of the seven acres on the property were planted to grapes in the spring of 2004, with more plantings planned for 2005.  The retail wine shop housed in the newly built winery opened in August, 2004

Besides the vineyards in Langley and on the Naramata Bench, grapes for Township 7 Vineyards and Winery wines are grown in the Oliver area of British Columbia, a great location for growing grapes for the more full-bodied Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrahs and Chardonnays that Township 7 produces.

 In 2018 they bought the 12-acre Blue Terrace Vineyard near Oliver.
The vineyard, which was planted in 2000, has supplied Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc to Township 7



Winemaker: Mary McDermott



Therapy Vineyards

940 Debeck Road
Naramata, BC
V0H 1N0


A winery owned by is Mike Boyd and Jacqueline Johnson they also own Silhouette Cellars 

Mike Boyd purchased Therapy Vineyards in 2017 and started immediately to upgrade the facilities. With a winery, vineyard, tasting room and inn, guests can enjoy days of wine touring along the Naramata Bench. Peaceful evenings can be spent on their suite patio with a bottle of wine overlooking Okanagan Lake and the Therapy vineyard. The annual production for Therapy Vineyards is about 6000 cases and Silhouette Estate Winery produces 2000 cases.  The majority of the fruit is now under Therapy and Silhouette management.

There are 6 acres of Therapy Estate Vineyards planted with Merlot, Chardonnay and blended white.


Winemaking Philosophy:– Let the vineyard site come through in the wines, manipulate aromatic varieties as little as possible, use only the best quality oak, mouth feel is more important than tannin in red wines.


Terravista Vineyards


1853 Sutherland Rd
Naramata BC
V2A 8T8

Dallas and Eric Thor acquired Terravista Vineyards in 2019

Terravista Vineyards was started in 2008 by Bob and Senka Tennant. A bit of history...Bob and Senka have been in the BC grape/wine industry for the past 19 years. Senka as winemaker and Bob as vineyard and business operator at their first business, Black Hills Estate Winery. In 2007, Black Hills was sold and Bob and Senka, not wanting to leave the industry, started looking for a small piece of property on which to establish a new vineyard and winery. Their idea was to concentrate on a couple of white grape varieties that had been attracting their interest.

Their 1.6-hectare (four-acre) vineyard high on the Naramata Bench grows only Albariño and Verdejo, two Spanish white varieties never grown before in the Okanagan; the vines were not easy to locate. The Tennants received just enough in 2009 to plant a quarter of the vineyard, some of those vines were killed in a freeze that fall. It was not until 2011, with their new winery under construction, that they got enough vines to finish planting Terravista.

Bob and Senka have also purchased grapes from three different growers to produce their other white wine, a blend named FIGARO. It is made up of two white grape varieties - Roussanne and Viognier - that originate from the Rhone Valley in France. Next door neighbours Tony and Cheryl Galloway, their near neighbour Walter Meyer, and Rob and Lynn Webster from Osoyoos all grow and supply these grapes

The 600-square-metre (2,000 square-foot) winery, set into a hillside and partly below ground, is designed exclusively for producing small volumes of white wine

Winemaker: Senka Tennant
Winemaking Philosophy: Growing the best fruit the season will allow and expressing it and the site in the wine.



Upper Bench Winery


170 Upper Bench Rd
Naramata, BC
V2A 8T1

Gavin and Shana Miller, Wayne and Margareta Nystrom are the owners of Upper Bench since 2011.. Gavin Miller is a well-known and respected winemaker, who has created award-winning wines for some of the region's renowned wineries he has worked at in his 14 years in the industry. They also hand-craft their own line of gluten-free, artisan Brie, blue, and washed-rind cheeses using 100% Canadian pasteurized cow’s milk.

Upper Bench produces big bold reds and crisp, dry whites that reflect the vintage and soil from the vineyards where they are grown. Gavin’s wife, head cheese maker Shana Miller and her team hand-craft gluten and additive free soft & semi soft cheese. Your stop at Upper Bench could have you watching cheese makers making cheese through the creamery window and enjoying a wine flight, perfectly paired with a cheese platter on their intimate patio.

All of our wines come from the mature vines on Upper Bench's unique seven-acre vineyard and Margaretta Vineyards, both located on the picturesque Naramata Bench. Current production is 1,350 cases, with a goal of reaching 5,000 cases by 2014. Winemaker Gavin Miller believes great wine is grown in the vineyard and their vines are meticulously farmed without the use of chemicals or pesticides.


Winemaker: Gavin Miller
Philosophy: Gavin believes great wine is made in the vineyard and farms sustainability, without the use of chemicals or pesticides Minimalist winemaking with a passion for flavour



Van Westen Vineyards


2800A Aikins Loop
Naramata, BC
V0H 1N0


The Van Westen family has been involved in farming the Naramata Bench for the last fifty years. Robert Van West has taken it one step further by opening a winery.

The property sits on an Eastern slope allowing for long hours of warm sunlight thus providing an excellent growing season.

Signature wines are Vino Grigio, Vavacious and Volptuous.

 

Winemaker: Robert Van Westen
Winemaking Philosophy: To grow, produce and bottle fruit grown by van westen vineyards, solely from our land on the Naramata bench. From grapes to glass

Westbert Winery Ltd

1465 Naramata Rd
Penticton

The winery opening in spring of 2020 is owned by Wessel Joubert. The wineries name is a combination of the owners first and last name. The Joubert family, originally from South Africa, often toured the South African Winelands visiting wine estates as old as 1720. Over time, these experiences became the inspiration for Dr Wessel Joubert's dream to establish a winery of his own. Hard work and dedication
paid off when Wesbert Winery was established in 2019.

The vineyard 2.2 Acres with Gamay, Gewürztraminer, Merlot and Viognier.
Case production is 600 cases for the first year with the goal of 2000 cases for the next season for year two.

Double Gold ACWC 2021 Wesbert Winery, BC           2020       Sparkling Rosé  |
Best Red Wine All Canadian Championships 2022- for their 2020 Syrah.

Signature wine is Rosé

Winemaker: Pieter Coetzer
Philosophy: Vinify our vineyards into a symphony of taste with the aim to produce an easy-drinking wine that will suit any occasion.

 

Please report errors

Osoyoos Lake Bench ~ The Golden Mile ~ Black Sage Road ~ Shaka Lake ~ Okanagan Falls ~ Kelowna

Summerland and Peachland ~ Mount Boucherie ~ Kelowna ~ Similkameen Valley ~ Kootenays


Home | Sitemap | Advertise | New Articles| BC Wineries | Okanagan | Gallery | Contact |©2022 Robert A Bell

Welcome to Robert Bell's Winesofcanada.com ! This is a personal website. We do not represent the wine industry or any aspect of the Canadian Government. We have been promoting Canada's wines and wineries since 1992. We do not sell or purchase any products. Please enjoy the website. Your comments are welcome.

“Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities."