Naramata Bench: The Ultimate Winery Self-Drive

The Naramata Bench is a 15-kilometre stretch of benchland north of Penticton along the east side of Okanagan Lake. The road hugs the base of the rocky hills with sweeping lake views on one side and vineyard after vineyard on the other. Over 40 wineries operate along this single road, making it one of the most concentrated wine regions in Canada.

What separates the Naramata Bench from other Okanagan wine regions is its intimacy. The wineries are smaller and more personal. The tasting rooms feel less corporate. Many are family-run. And because the road ends at the small village of Naramata, the area draws visitors who want to slow down rather than rush.

Top Wineries on the Naramata Bench

With over 40 options, narrowing it down is necessary. These are the ones consistently worth visiting:

• Therapy Vineyards beautiful tasting room, excellent Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, one of the friendliest operations on the bench. Don’t miss the Freudian Sip white blend.
• Laughing Stock Vineyards Portfolio red blend is one of BC’s most celebrated wines. Small production, book a tasting in advance.
• Poplar Grove Winery known for Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The tasting room has excellent views and the cheese shop next door is outstanding.
• Kettle Valley Winery Old Vines Marechal Foch is legendary. Family-run, unpretentious, great value.
• Monster Vineyards playful, approachable, and very drinkable. Great for groups with mixed wine experience levels.
• Red Rooster Winery solid across all varietals, good patio, and one of the more visitor-friendly setups on the bench.
• Elephant Island Orchard Wines fruit wines made from cherries, apricots, and other Okanagan stone fruit. A genuinely different experience.

How to Plan Your Naramata Bench Day

Morning: Start in Penticton

Pick up coffee and breakfast in Penticton before heading north on Naramata Road. The drive out of town along the lake is beautiful from the first kilometre.

Late Morning: First Two Wineries

Visit two wineries before lunch. Most open at 10 or 11 am. Tasting flights typically run $10 to $20 and include 4 to 6 pours. Take your time and talk to the staff.

Lunch: Winery Restaurant or Naramata Village

Poplar Grove’s The Vanilla Pod Restaurant is excellent for a sit-down lunch. Alternatively, pick up supplies at a winery shop and picnic on the bench. The village of Naramata has a small cafe.

Afternoon: Two More Wineries

Keep it to four or five total for a full day. More than that and the flavours start blending together. The last few kilometres of the bench road are worth driving even just for the scenery.

Evening: Back to Penticton

Penticton has excellent dinner options. Or stay the night on the bench itself if you’ve booked accommodation.

Getting Around the Naramata Bench

Most people drive the bench road, but there are alternatives:

• E-bike the lower sections of Naramata Road are manageable by e-bike from Penticton. Several rental shops in Penticton offer e-bikes by the day. See our cycling guide →
• Guided van tour several operators run half-day and full-day tours from Penticton with a driver. Worth it if you want to taste without limits.
• Designated driver the most straightforward option if you’re in a group.

Where to Stay on the Naramata Bench

Staying on the bench itself is the most immersive option. Several wineries offer accommodation, and there are vacation rentals throughout the area.

• Naramata Inn a lovingly restored heritage inn right in the village. One of the best small hotels in the entire Okanagan. Book well in advance.
• Sandy Beach Lodge & Resort classic lakeshore resort with a long history in Naramata.
• Vacation rentals several vineyard homes on the bench available through VRBO and Airbnb.

Browse Naramata Accommodation →

Frequently Asked Questions

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