Wines of the Okanagan

Naramata Bench

The Naramata Bench is a major wine region in the Okanagan. If you are arriving from the south it is the first wine region along Okanagan Lake on the east side of the lake (the main highway runs along the west side). There is only one way in and one way out, you must go through the city of Penticton to reach the bench. Thirty-two wineries (as of April 2013) call Naramata Bench their home.

The rolling hills and variable soil types result in unique microclimates that can be matched to the right varieties by experienced fruit growers. The eastern side of Lake Okanagan basks in warm sunny days resulting in a super long growing season. The moderating effects of the lake and gentle slopes minimize the incidence of frost and enable fruit-harvests at optimum maturity.

Okanagan Lake tempers the climate, meaning no vine-killing winter temperatures, few late spring frosts and a very long autumn that brings grapes to optimal ripeness. Merlot and other Bordeaux reds grow well here, along with elegant Pinot Noir, peppery Syrah, full-flavoured Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Viognier.

Hillside Estate Winery began planting their vineyards here in 1984 and is the only BC winery to produce Muscat Ottonel, a truly unique and unusual aromatic white wine.

Wineries of Naramata Bench

~ Osoyoos Lake Bench ~ The Golden Mile ~ Similkameen Valley ~ Okanagan Falls ~ Skaha Lake
~ Naramata Bench Summerland and Peachland ~ Mount Boucherie ~ Kelowna and Lake Country
~ Northern ~ Kootenays ~ Thompson River Valley ~ Black Sage

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