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Naramata Bench WIne Country

Naramata Bench Wine region

Dozens of vineyards line a winding country road, where every glass reflects a deep-rooted passion for the land.

Located in central Okanagan Valley, Naramata has become synonymous with boutique, premium wines. Home to a collection of over 40 wineries connected by a scenic road that winds toward Naramata Village, this compact region is rich with small, family-run estates focused on craftsmanship and expression.

Just minutes from Penticton and directly across Okanagan Lake from the Summerland Lakefront sub-region, Naramata is both a haven for wine lovers and a hub for adventure. Nowhere else in the Okanagan will you find so many wineries along one simple touring route, complete with sweeping views and locally inspired dining. Pair your wine country visit with kayaking, mountain biking, or rock climbing—or simply relax at the beach in one of the area’s quaint bed and breakfasts.




  • Receiving around 250 to 300 hours of sunshine each summer month, the vineyards of Naramata Bench enjoy ideal conditions for full-flavoured white varieties, as well as elegant reds. Though there are a wide range of different varieties bottled here, Naramata is best-known for Pinot Noir with mineral undertones, fruity and supple Chardonnay, and rich, textured Pinot Gris. High-quality rosé and sparkling wines are also standout offerings from this celebrated sub-region.

  • MERLOT
  • PINOT GRIS
  • CHARDONNAY
  • PINOT NOIR

Climate Extremes

Naramata’s extreme continental climate brings dramatic temperature swings, from -20 C in winter to highs of 40 C in summer. Thanks to the rain shadow cast by BC’s coastal mountain ranges, the sub-region receives relatively low precipitation. Naramata also benefits from one the Okanagan’s longest growing seasons, often lasting from May through October. Okanagan Lake helps regulate temperatures on the area’s elevated vineyards, moderating extremes and extending ripening.


Mineral-Rich and Complex

The Naramata Bench is defined by layered glacial and fluvial soils, with granite-rich compositions ground down over millennia by retreating glaciers and deposited into ancient lakes. These well-draining soils support healthy root systems and contribute to the complexity and minerality expressed in the wines grown here. The diversity in elevation and slope orientation also allows for site-specific plantings and subtle flavour profiles across vineyards.

OKANAGAN VALLEY

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Exploring British Columbia’s vineyards reveals the unique terroir & diverse varietals flourishing in this picturesque Canadian province.

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A group of wine lovers sample fruit forward wines while enjoying a catered lunch next to gently sloping vineyards at an airy tasting room in an Okanagan Valley, British Columbia vineyard restaurant.

The Okanagan Valley

10,920

Acres Planted

210

Licensed Grape Wineries

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Kootenays

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Acres Planted

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Shuswap vineyard in Recline Ridge with pinot noir in BC’s wine country

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107

Acres Planted

6

Licensed Grape Wineries

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The sun setting over a Thompson Valley vineyard with rugged mountains extending into the horizon.

Thompson Valley

93

Acres Planted

3

Licensed Grape Wineries

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A couple riding bicycles under an aqueduct through a vineyard in the Southern Okanagan, BC, Canada.

The Similkameen Valley

768

Acres Planted

17

Licensed Grape Wineries

The Similkameen Valley is a pristine stretch of vineyards, set amongst the dramatic backdrop of rugged and awe-inspiring mountains. Considered the “organic capital of Canada”, the area is known for small farms and producers dedicated to creating quality produce, delectable foods, and award-winning wines.

A photo of grapes growing at Banner Fraser Valley winery with an estate home in the midground.

Fraser Valley

194

Acres Planted

28

Licensed Grape Wineries

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Lillooet

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Acres Planted

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Licensed Grape Wineries

One of the oldest towns in the province, Lillooet is located at the southern tip of the Cariboo Chilcotin region of British Columbia. The climate is very similar to the traditional grapegrowing regions in the Okanagan Valley with long, hot, dry summers. However, nights are cooler, making average summer temperatures slightly lower than the Okanagan, but at the same time preserving the fresh crisp acidity in the wines.

View of vines, ocean, and mountains at Saturna Island Vineyard, Gulf Islands, BC

Gulf Islands

110

Acres Planted

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Licensed Grape Wineries

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A home with sloping mountains in the background on a Cowichan Valley winery on Vancouver Island, BC.

Vancouver Island

321

Acres Planted

22

Licensed Grape Wineries

On Vancouver Island, grape winemaking really began after a provincial government-funded trial – the Duncan Project – identified Pinot Gris, Auxerrois and Ortega as promising varieties for this unique seaside environment.

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