Ruby Blues Winery

Ruby Blues Winery bills itself as the funkiest small boutique winery on the Naramata Bench, and a visit to 917 Naramata Road quickly shows why. Founded in 2008 by Prudence and Beat Mahrer, the winery is instantly recognizable by the two vintage Volkswagen buses parked out front, and the colourful tasting room carries the same playful spirit inside, filled with unique art, music and signature merchandise. The Mahrers built Ruby Blues on a simple philosophy of fun and generosity, summed up in the winery's beloved tagline: the tasting fee is a smile. That warmth has made it one of the most talked-about stops along the Naramata Bench, the celebrated ribbon of vineyards and small wineries that runs between Penticton and Naramata village above Okanagan Lake. The wines themselves are made predominantly from Naramata Bench vineyards and span whites, roses and reds in an easy-drinking, crowd-pleasing style that matches the laid-back atmosphere. The tasting room is open daily from late morning through the afternoon, with walk-ins welcome for groups of four or fewer; larger parties are asked to reserve ahead by phone or email. Dogs are welcome too, which fits the casual, come-as-you-are vibe that regular visitors rave about. For those who want to keep the good times flowing at home, Ruby Blues offers a wine club and online shopping with home delivery. The winery makes an ideal mid-route stop on a Naramata Bench tour, where its irreverent personality provides a refreshing change of pace between more buttoned-up estates, and the lake and vineyard scenery surrounding the property are quintessential Okanagan Valley. Travellers seeking a wine experience that pairs quality Naramata fruit with genuine hospitality and a healthy dose of whimsy will find Ruby Blues hard to beat.