Naramata Bench Wineries
A Wine Tasting Day Trip From Kelowna
Sep 6, 2007 Laurie Hodges Humble
A wine tasting trip through British Columbia's Okanagan Valley would be remiss if it did not include a day roaming the enchanting Naramata Bench Wineries. The Naramata Bench’s 18 small production wineries are easily accessible from Naramata Road which runs the 20 kilometres between Penticton and the village of Naramata. A trip to Naramata is truly an example of why one should savour the journey as well as the destination.
Though it would be daunting, if not impossible to visit all 18 wineries in one day, an enjoyable unrushed afternoon of wine sampling could be arranged by pre-picking four or five wineries to visit. One could choose to visit those wineries with whimsical names such as Elephant Island, Red Rooster, and Laughing Stock. Or perhaps wineries with geographical names such as Kettle Valley, Poplar Grove and Township 7. Or you could just pull out a map, head north from Penticton, and follow your nose. The Naramata Bench is yours to discover and enjoy.
In addition to wine tasting, the Naramata Bench Wineries offer a wide selection of dining opportunities from full service dining to self-catered picnic lunch areas. Or one can drink their fruit salad by sampling the mystical fruit wines of Elephant Island Orchard Winery. Fruit wines are made from the bounty of the surrounding orchards. The fruit is made into wine in the exact same manner as grapes are made into white wine. Most of the wineries and vineyards waive their wine tasting fees with a minimum product purchase. Should you wish to sample a specialty wine, such as ice wine, an additional nominal fee is charged. For the socially minded Township 7 Vineyard offers free sampling, but ask that you leave a donation to the area SPCA. Many wineries also host art galleries where local artists are featured. The controversial Baggage Handler and the titillating Mermaid sculptures are on permanent display at the Red Rooster Winery.
Too tired to head home? Want to visit more wineries? The village of Naramata and several of the Bench wineries offer a varied selection of accommodations. In the summer months and festival season, it is always a good idea to call ahead. On a precautionary note, sampling wine here and there quickly adds up to a .08 blood alcohol content so you may want to designate a driver. If your entire party wants to enjoy the libations, the Penticton Visitor Info Centre can assist you with hiring a driver. Drive safe. Have fun. Cheers!
Mermaid
|
What do you think about this article?
More in Travel
Latest Articles