Summerland, Penticton, and Naramata are home to some of the South Okanagan’s best wineries. These three charming areas, known for their stunning scenery, outdoor activities, and wine culture. The wineries are highly regarded for their exceptional. Visitors can indulge in wine tastings, vineyard tours, and learn about the winemaking process from passionate experts.
With its hot summers, mild winters, and mineral-rich soil, the Okanagan Valley provides ideal conditions for grape growing. It has resulted in some of the best wines in Canada. Wine enthusiasts will appreciate the area’s unique terroir and variety of wine styles to choose from.
About The South Okanagan
Penticton and Summerland
The Summerland and Penticton districts in the Okanagan Valley offer a wealth of benefits to those who visit. Summerland is known for its rolling hills, scenic lake views, and charming atmosphere. The town is home to several wineries and orchards, as well as a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, and other activities in the nearby parks and lakes. Summerland is also famous for its high-quality peaches, apples, and cherries.
Penticton is surrounded by vineyards, orchards, and lakes. It is the perfect base for exploring wine country. Penticton is also a popular destination for tourists and offers a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The city is home to several beaches and parks, including Skaha Lake Park, which is popular for its sandy beaches, picnic areas, and water sports.
Summerland and Penticton offer a unique blend of natural beauty, and recreational opportunities. It makes them a must-visit destination for those who love the outdoors, wine, and good food. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway or an action-packed adventure, the Okanagan Valley has something to offer.
Naramata Shelf
Naramata is a true gem in the world of wine. It might have more of the South Okanagan’s best wineries than anywhere else. Its exceptional wine production has made this picturesque town located in the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, Canada renowned. With a warm and dry climate, Naramata provides the ideal growing conditions for a variety of grape varieties to thrive.
Naramata’s terroir is simply spectacular due to its well-drained and mineral-rich soil that provides the necessary nutrients for grape flourishing. The moderate climate of the Okanagan protects the grapes from extreme weather conditions. These factors combine to create a unique environment that is ideal for producing high-quality wines.
The winemakers in Naramata are passionate and dedicated and consistently produce exceptional wines. They are part of a close-knit community that values quality and collaboration. This spirit of collaboration and dedication to quality has helped to establish Naramata as one of the premier wine-producing regions in the world.
Naramata is known for its diverse range of grape varieties, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Syrah. This diversity of grapes allows winemakers to produce a wide range of wines with different flavor profiles and styles. Whether you are a fan of crisp whites, rich reds, or fruity rosés, Naramata has something for everyone. The town’s stunning natural beauty, friendly community, and exceptional wines make it the perfect destination for wine lovers.
The Best Wineries in the South Okanagan
Dirty Laundry Vineyard
Dirty Laundry is located in Summerland. It got its name from a wash house that used to be on the property. Since renovated, it is now a state-of-the-art winemaking facility.
They specialize in a variety of wine styles, including red white, and sparkling wines. Their wines are available for tasting and purchase at the winery, as well as through select wine shops and restaurants. The vineyard offers visitors a chance to relax on its patios, with views across the valley. The winery also has a dining experience with two options, the Bottoms Up Saloon and the Red Iron Grill. Overall, it is one of the South Okanagan’s best wineries.
Lake Breeze Vineyards – Personal Favourite (Naramata)
Lake Breeze Vineyards is in Naramata. Founded in 1985, it remains one of the original Naramata wineries that still operates today.
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The vineyard sits on 16 acres, offering visitors stunning views of Lake Okanagan. Guests can enjoy wine tastings or a meal at the winery’s Patio Restaurant. Lake Breeze is a relaxed atmosphere and committed to producing high-quality wines through meticulous viticultural practices.
The winery honors the land and practices careful viticulture. The Patio provides guests with an authentic connection to the land through wine and food. When the restaurant is open this is probably my favourite estate on the Naramata shelf and easily one of the South Okanagan’s best wineries.
Painted Rock Estate Winery
Painted Rock Estate Winery is located in Oliver. Established in the early 2000s, it produces high-quality, red wines. Most notable is their flagship wine, the Painted Rock Red. With a focus on sustainability, Painted Rock Estate Winery uses only grapes grown on its own estate to produce its wines.
The winery boasts a unique site with influences including a west-sloping bench, rock amphitheater, and lake reflection. It implements intentional farming practices such as root training and vigor pruning to produce high-quality wines.
The winery’s dining experience focus on using fresh, local ingredients and pairing the dishes with the winery’s own wines. Its scenic location and high-quality food and wine make it a unique and memorable dining experience.
See Ya Later Ranch
See Ya Later Ranch Winery is located near Skaha Lake in OK Falls. The winery specializes in cool-climate varietals such as Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Gewürztraminer, with a particular emphasis on Gewürztraminer.
They have the largest planting of this varietal in North America. The winery is pet-friendly and has a “Barking Lot” for visitors to bring their four-legged family members. The small golden dog with wings on the See Ya Later Ranch labels is a nod to the founder’s beloved pets. Se Ya Later Ranch is definitely one of the South Okanagan’s best wineries for dog owners.
Synchromesh Wines
Storm Haven Vineyard is the home and heart of Synchromesh and covers 107 acres. With its large elevation changes and varying geology, the vineyard is able to produce different expressions of Riesling and Cabernet Franc from each block.
The vineyard holistically manages its operations, striving to grow vines within the existing ecosystem and without the use of synthetics or chemicals. A 70-acre sanctuary protects the sensitive habitat on the property. Situated at the base of Peach Cliff mountain, a 50-million-year-old volcanic structure, and along the Okanagan Fault Line. It is Located in OK Falls.
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They grow various varieties in small blocks on 21 acres. Matching the unique conditions of each area using the soil structure, rock formations, elevation, and exposure.
Riesling has eight blocks, Cabernet Franc has two blocks, Pinot Noir has two blocks, and Cinsault has one block. Storm Haven Vineyard actively preserves habitat and collaborates with local wildlife organizations to safeguard undeveloped land as a sanctuary.
Poplar Grove Winery
Visitors to Poplar Grove Winery can taste and purchase their award-winning wines made from grapes grown on the 140-acre estate vineyard. The winery is located on the Naramata Bench and is one of the five original wineries in the region.
Family-run it is dedicated to producing genuine and distinctive wines that showcase richness and character. Their signature red blend, The Legacy, is widely recognized as one of their outstanding wines. In addition to reds, Poplar Grove also produces exceptional Pinot Gris and Cabernet Franc and Merlot focused wines.
The Restaurant at Poplar Grove offers stunning views of Okanagan Lake and is nestled on the slopes of Munson Mountain. Visitors can enjoy a meal and the views while experiencing the beauty of the Okanagan Valley.
Red Rooster Winery
Red Rooster Winery is a top-notch winery located on the Naramata bench. With extraordinary views and a unique location, Red Rooster is able to create exceptional wines. Since its first vintage in 1997, the winery has become known for producing award-winning wines that showcase the best of BC and the Okanagan.
The diverse microclimates in the area provide the opportunity for experimentation with new grape varietals and wine styles. Cocktails & Canapés Okanagan is a chef-driven catering company that offers one-of-a-kind culinary experiences, with a focus on showcasing local ingredients in a unique way.
Sumac Ridge Estate Winery
Sumac Ridge Estate Winery is a pioneer in the British Columbia wine industry, celebrating 40 years of operation in 2021. Founded by Harry McWatters in Summerland, Okanagan Valley, the winery is committed to producing wine made solely from grapes grown in BC.
The location is ideal for grape growing due to its sparkling water, brilliant sun, and fertile land. Sumac Ridge has been producing high-quality, consistently delicious wines that are simple and appealing to wine drinkers.
Thornhaven Estates Winery
Thornhaven Winery is located on Little Giant’s Head Mountain. It offers a stunning view of both Okanagan Lake and the surrounding mountains. The winery’s southwestern Santa Fe style architecture reflects the semi-arid climate of the Okanagan region and its natural landscape of dry grasses, cacti, sagebrush, and Ponderosa pine. It is one of the South Okanagan’s best wineries.
Thornhaven’s unique winemaking structure, designed for gravity-based transportation of fruit juice from the crush-pad to the cellar, helps eliminate the effects of pumping and results in the finest quality of handcrafted wines.
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The winery has a total of 18.5 acres in three vineyards, planted with a variety of grapes, including Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Merlot, Orange Muscat, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Gewurztraminer. Thornhaven uses both French and American oak barrels and stainless steel tanks to age and preserve its wines.
Upper Bench Estate Winery
Upper Bench Winery & Creamery sits on a 9.5-acre estate within the Naramata Bench. The winery produces award-winning bold reds and crisp whites that boast distinctive varietal character.
The creamery, on-site, produces handcrafted, small batches of premium artisanal cheeses made from 100% pasteurized cow’s milk. Dining at The Oven, the winery’s wood-fired pizzeria, is a must-try experience, particularly on a warm summer day.
La Frenz Winery
La Frenz Winery boasts 52 acres of premium vineyards across five locations. Including four on the famous Naramata Bench and one on the warm and sunny Golden Mile in Oliver. They carefully tend to their grapes, ensuring that they are of the highest quality.
Under the leadership of highly skilled winemaker Ross Baker, La Frenz Winery is well-positioned to produce exceptional wines that showcase the best of the valley.
Stag’s Hollow Winery & Vineyard
Stag’s Hollow Winery is committed to sustainability and is dedicated to preserving the environment. They use a unique trellising system known as the Geneva Double Curtain to increase yield and grape quality.
By farming their vineyards sustainably, they maintain good soil health and biodiversity. All canopy management is done by hand and the winery has buffer zones for beneficial insects.
They strive to make all decisions for the business with sustainability in mind, prevent pollution, and foster relationships with the community.
Therapy Vineyards
Therapy Vineyard is located in the picturesque Naramata. Surrounded by breathtaking views of Okanagan Lake and Giant’s Head Mountain. The vineyard is a destination for wine lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.
The winery has a diverse wine selection, including fruity blends and classic varietals. Visitors can stay at the luxurious Inn at Therapy Vineyard, which offers king size beds and lake views.
To enhance your stay on this family-owned farm, you will have the opportunity to take a tour of the vineyard and observe ongoing farm activities, a tour of the winery to see the winemaking process, and a visit to the wine shop where you will receive an exclusive tasting.
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South Okanagan Wineries – The Verdict
The Okanagan Valley, particularly particularly the South Okanagan, is a charming area that offers stunning scenery, outdoor activities, and a rich wine culture. The region is well-known for its exceptional wines, including award-winning reds and whites, as well as unique varieties like fortified wines.
Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, vineyard tours, and learn about the winemaking process from knowledgeable experts. With the ideal weather conditions and mineral-rich soil, the Okanagan Valley produces some of the best wines in Canada, making it a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts.