Uncork The Sun

Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country is Canada’s premiere wine growing region nestled among the beauty of the mountains, lakes and rivers that make up Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country. Here our 44-member wineries produce a wide range of varietals showcasing grapes from around the world.

This regions’ history includes the struggles of the Sylix people with the dry, arid conditions through the gold mining in the late 1800, before the introduction of the irrigation ditch following the first world war. The ditch was an initiative by Premiere John Oliver who saw the possibility to make the region Canada’s fruit basket. After establishing as a top fruit growing region, the mid-twentieth century saw farmers explore the possibility of growing wine grapes, the success of which has led to the proliferation of crops we see today. Now Oliver grows over 50%, and Oliver Osoyoos combined over 60%, of all wine grapes in the province.

Enriched by glacial mineral deposits and varied soils; within the narrow 33km span of Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country you will find a multitude of terroirs – from the basalt rock near McIntyre Bluff, through the alluvial dry creeks of the Golden Mile, into the sandy clay surrounding Osoyoos Lake. Combined with the diversity of the land are: the warmest days in the country; endless hours of sunshine; cool mountain evenings; and low annual precipitation which create a multitude of microclimates all with ideal growing conditions for different grapes.

Learn more about the diversity  and uniqueness of Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country with our educational blog posts – https://www.oliverosoyoos.com/category/wine-education/

The Gem of the Okanagan

Visitors can easily guide themselves along the winding roads to enjoy sweeping vineyards, lush orchards, and award-winning wineries, cideries and distilleries. The charming little town of 11,000 residents offers views from Prairie Valley to Sun-Oka Beach Provincial Park and Kettle Valley Rail Trail to Giants Head Mountain. With 15 wineries, 4 cideries and a distillery, Summerland is full of new discoveries around every corner, by bike or by car. 

The region also boasts distinct growing areas from the Bluffs; along Summerland Bench; Prairie and Garnet Valley; and from Trout Creek to North Beach. These areas are comprised of silty glaciolacustrine sediments along with mineral rich volcanic soils, excellent for vineyards and orchards. This provides the region with a terroir that is unique to Summerland, resulting in delicious wines, ciders and spirits that are produced here.

Visitors can also enjoy many events throughout the year such as the popular Grand Sommelier Express – BC’s only wine and food event on the Kettle Valley Heritage Steam Train; and the annual Light Up The Vines event, which takes place at the end of November to wrap up the season. Open from April to November, stop into this quaint community and enjoy the charming personalities and smiles along Bottleneck Drive. They are ready to welcome you!

A Story in Every Bottle

The Naramata Bench is one of Canada’s premiere wine regions and a top destination for wine enthusiasts. The Naramata Bench Wineries Association has built a reputation for renowned wines and a unique wine culture. Visit us to enjoy excellent wines in friendly welcoming ways.

To find us drive along the 15 km Naramata Road, a country road starting in Penticton and heading north along the east side of Okanagan Lake ending in the village of Naramata. You will find spectacular scenery and wineries as you drive this stunning road with wineries poised along rolling hillsides, nestled within verdant vineyards with shimmering lake and mountain views.  The favourable climatic and geological conditions that are good for the grapes here are also good for the people and serve to create an idyllic location to visit.

Wine touring the Naramata Bench is relaxed and rewarding as wineries are a short drive from one another and yet each one presents unique and distinctive wines and experiences. The Association is made up of both small boutique and larger wineries, most of which are family owned, and all offering the best of what Okanagan wine country has to offer.

Known as one of Canada’s premiere wine regions, the Naramata Bench has gained significant awareness worldwide as a top destination for wine enthusiasts. Naramata wineries and wines are recognized with an expanding list of awards from national and international competitions.

The art of gastronomy is abundant at winery restaurants. Skillfully prepared, seasonally inspired and locally sourced menus are created by top chefs who create dishes to pair with the Naramata wines. And for casual fare, check out wineries with food trucks, bring your own picnic as many wineries have picnic areas, and do not miss the artisanal cheese at Upper Bench Winery & Creamery. Several wineries offer accommodations from country style to luxury in the heart of wine country.

Such is the magic of the Naramata Bench wine experience and the dynamic and distinctive members of the Naramata Bench Wineries Association that collaborate together to shine a light on this region and our motto “A Story in Every Bottle”.

Your experiences here will create lasting memories.

To find all of the treasures offered by our wineries, pick up our Tour Map at all wineries, or download directly from our website.

Use our website to contact wineries for tasting and restaurant reservations and for links to accommodations and other activities along the Naramata Bench.

www.naramatabench.com