Marichel Vineyard

Marichel Vineyard is a small estate producer on the Naramata Bench, the celebrated shelf of vineyard land that runs north from Penticton along the eastern shore of Okanagan Lake. The winery's philosophy is vineyard-first: as Marichel puts it, the wines are first created in the vineyard, with careful winemaking then used to bring out the best in what nature provides. The focus is on premium red, white, and rosé wines made in limited quantities, with the estate Viognier among the signature offerings, a variety that thrives in the Bench's combination of long sunshine hours and moderating lake influence. The result is a tightly focused lineup that rewards visitors looking for depth rather than breadth in a tasting.

Visits are arranged by booking a tasting through the winery, which keeps the experience personal and unhurried, very much in keeping with Marichel's small-scale, estate-grown approach. The winery also runs The Bench Wine Club, giving members exclusive benefits and special offers along with regular access to its limited releases. For wine tourists, Marichel makes an appealing counterpoint to the busier tasting rooms along the Naramata wine route: this is the Bench at its most intimate, where the people pouring the wine are closely connected to the vines outside. The surrounding sub-region needs little introduction, with its patchwork of vineyards, orchards, and lake views making it one of British Columbia's most rewarding wine-touring landscapes, and Naramata village and Penticton's amenities are both within easy reach. Travellers who appreciate Rhône-style whites and handcrafted small-lot reds should set aside time for an appointment here.