A Perfect Day on the Naramata Bench

Few wine routes in Canada pack as much character into so small a stretch of road as the Naramata Bench. Tucked along the eastern shore of Okanagan Lake just north of Penticton, this narrow ribbon of vineyard-covered terraces sits in the heart of the Okanagan Valley. The Bench is famous for its concentration of small, family-run wineries, its sweeping water views, and a friendly, unhurried pace that makes it ideal for a day of tasting. Here's how to spend a perfect one.

Why the Naramata Bench Is Special

The Bench is a geological gift. Ancient glacial deposits left behind well-drained, sandy and silty soils, while the lake moderates the climate, tempering summer heat and stretching out the growing season. The result is a patchwork of vineyards producing everything from crisp aromatic whites to structured reds. Because most properties here are boutique in scale, you'll often find yourself chatting with the winemaker or a family member rather than a hurried counter attendant. Naramata Road runs the length of the Bench, with wineries spaced closely enough that you can comfortably visit four to six in a day without ever feeling rushed.

A Suggested Day on the Bench

This loose itinerary moves roughly from the Penticton end of the Bench northward toward Naramata village, easing you from bright morning whites into richer afternoon reds. Treat it as a starting point and adjust to taste.

Morning: Ease In

Start your day at Poplar Grove Winery, perched on the hillside as you climb out of Penticton. It's a fitting first stop, with a commanding view back across the valley that sets the tone for the day. From there, continue to Upper Bench Estate Winery & Creamery, a charming spot that pairs estate wines with handmade cheeses — a smart way to line the stomach before a full day of tasting.

Late Morning: Settle Into the Bench

As you move up Naramata Road, make time for La Frenz Estate Winery, a well-regarded family producer with a broad range of styles to explore. Nearby, Therapy Vineyards offers a relaxed tasting room and a playful approach that's easy to enjoy. Both make excellent late-morning stops before you pause for lunch.

Afternoon: Lake Views and Reds

The afternoon is for soaking up the scenery. Lake Breeze Vineyards is one of the Bench's most beloved patios, with a Cape Dutch-style winery and views that make lingering irresistible. Finish at Hillside Winery & Bistro, whose distinctive tower is a Bench landmark, or at Red Rooster Winery, a welcoming estate that's a natural place to wind down the day.

Want to weave in more discoveries? The Bench is dense with worthy names like JoieFarm Winery, Moraine Estate Winery, and Elephant Island Winery, known for its fruit wines. Swap any of these into your route depending on your mood and what's open.

Where to Eat

Lunch is part of the pleasure here. Several wineries on the Bench run their own kitchens and bistros, so you can settle in for a proper midday meal without leaving the vineyard — a patio table with a glass of estate white and a view over the lake is hard to beat. If you'd rather pack a picnic, grab provisions in Penticton or Naramata village before you set out; many tasting rooms have shaded grounds where you're welcome to linger. Aim to anchor your day around a relaxed lunch roughly halfway through, both to pace yourself and to keep the afternoon enjoyable.

Practical Tips for a Great Day

• Sort out a designated driver. Tasting across several wineries adds up quickly. Arrange a dedicated driver, book a guided tour, or plan a route you can walk or cycle in part — the Bench's compact layout makes this realistic.
• Book ahead in peak season. Many of these wineries are small, and summer weekends fill fast. A quick call or online reservation for tastings and especially for lunch will save you disappointment.
• Build in time for the views. The lake panoramas are half the experience. Don't over-schedule — four to six stops is plenty for a full, unhurried day.
• Bring water, sun protection, and a cooler. Okanagan summers are hot and bright, and a cooler in the car keeps your purchases safe until you get home.
• Check current hours. Tasting room hours shift with the seasons, so confirm directly with each winery before you go.

Plan Your Own Naramata Route

The beauty of the Naramata Bench is that there's no single right way to do it — every visitor finds their own rhythm among the vines and the lake views. Ready to map your perfect day? Use our tour builder to pick the wineries that excite you most and create a custom route across the Bench and beyond. Cheers to a perfect day in BC wine country.