This past weekend we explored the Naramata Bench region of the Okanagan in BC. Much like many of the beautiful pockets, it consisted of good food, wine and awesome views. An easy 1.5 hour drive from Kelowna, it made for a great day trip along Route 97. The region has about 40 wineries all within close proximity making it easy to navigate sans tour. The Kettle Valley Rail Trail uses a rail corridor that was originally built for the now-abandoned Kettle Valley Railway and is a great way to explore the area by foot or bike (if that’s your thing and if you have the time!).
Millions of years ago the Bench was the shoreline of the Okanagan Lake and we can thank years of sediment and soil deposits, along with the present rolling hills for some pretty unique regional wines.
Arriving around lunch time our first stop was Red Rooster Winery where we grabbed a light meal at the Pecking Room Grill. While the wines weren’t some of my favourite of the day, the views were inspiring and we enjoyed our lunch. From here we continued our drive North all the way to the end of the Bench and then back down again.
We stopped at Poplar Grove Cheese , a boutique cheesery set amongst vineyards where they grow grapes for Lock & Worth Winery and Laughing Stock Vineyards. Here you can enjoy a wine and cheese paired tasting (by donation).
The cheeses were creamy and delicious, our favourite was the double cream Camembert, a soft cheese, flipped twice a week with hints of white truffle.
Next was Terravista Vineyards which is a winery made entirely from concrete and sits in a hollow on their farm. Their focus is white wines and they grow two grape varietals, the Albarino and Verdejo, which were grown in Spain and Portugal for nine centuries. We particularly liked the Albarino and took it home with us!
Further south our next stop was the award winning La Frenz Winery. We enjoyed their wines the most and walked away with their amazingly balanced 2016 Reisling and 2014 Desperation Hill Pinot Noir – so much goodness!
Our fourth stop was the Upper Bench Estate Winery & Creamery where the cheese steals the show IMO. They hand craft five different washed-rind, brie and blue cheeses and our favourites were the Okanagan Sun and the King Cole.
Last but not least, we ended our moving wine and cheese party with a tasting and a spectacular view of Penticton at Poplar Grove Winery . The winery has floor to ceiling windows and an impressive tasting room so it was the best way to cap off our day! The winery focuses on six core wines: Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and a signature blend called The Legacy. Needless to say the wines were great and we left hands full with their 2016 Blanc de Noirs and the 2016 Pinot Gris!
My Naramata Wine Route
Have you been on the Naramata Bench wine trail? What were some of your favourite wineries?
Happy Travels!
AIRPLANES & APPETITES 