Nestled along the Okanagan lake, amongst vineyards, orchards and cliffs, lies a special place called Naramata. My family and I have been coming here for 28 summers, aka since I was 5 years old. We’ve been extremely fortunate enough to have access to the same lake-side cabin all these years and have made countless memories. For one week (give or take) we spend our time swimming, playing cribbage, eating meals al fresco, sipping on local wines and just unwinding in this little slice of Okanagan paradise. The town itself is small and quaint, with 2 local coffee shops, several motels and b&b’s, a grocery store, a couple shops and a beautiful renovated heritage hotel and restaurant (more on that below). I have the vividest memories of strolling down to the grocery store as a kid every day, filling up a small bag with 5 cent candies. Now I find myself headed down for a coffee and freshly baked lemon square at Just Baked. Of course, Naramata is known for its infamous wine bench, a small stretch of 40+ wineries all nestled in the rolling vineyard-laden hills. To me, it’s always looked like the Tuscany of BC. In recent years, my husband and I have started bringing our bikes up and riding the Kettle Valley Railway, an old stretch of train track turned pathway that runs through Naramata and takes you through tunnels and vineyards. It’s become a new favourite activity for sure (and makes those lake dips extra worth it). I also can’t forget to mention all of the amazing locally grown produce, especially peaches, apricots and cherries. While I feel like the best way to enjoy Naramata is to take it slow and not overplan, I certainly have a list of my favourite places that I recommend to friends when they come. Scroll down if you’d like to read!
My Naramata Guide
Where to stay:
The Naramata Inn – an heritage building turned into beautiful boutique hotel
Sandy Beach Lodge – right on the lake, just down from the cabin we stay at
Naramata Courtyard Suites – right in town
Village Motel – right in town and beside Just Baked
*note: I haven’t stayed at these but know people who have and had said good things.
Where to eat:
The Restaurant at Naramata Inn – 2 or 3 course options and worth it for a special occasion (they also have Eliza Wine Bar downstairs)
Just Baked – for coffees and freshly baked treats (gf and v options)
The Grape Leaf – great coffees, iced chai lattes, and delicious sandwiches for lunch
Serendipity Winery Bistro – feels like you’re dining in Tuscany
Poplar Grove Cheese – located at Lock and Worth Winery, you can buy cheeses to go or have a charcuterie board there
Upper Bench Winery – I just come here for the cheese! I don’t love the wine tbh.
Fruit stands – dotted along the bench, make sure you have cash!
Wineries:
Deep Roots – Beautiful views and super friendly staff. I always buy their Parentage White and Merlot
La Frenz – Has a nice patio for tastings. Their Alexandria, Reisling and Vioginer are my fav.
Kettle Valley Winery – one of the oldest wineries on the bench. Great chardonnays, viognier and lots of reds. I also love their fortified wine, Caboose.
Mocojo – family-run and a relaxed vibe. I haven’t been in a couple years but I used to buy their Merlot.
*note: most wineries now have a tasting fee and is non-refundable. During covid you needed to make an appointment and some still do but we found we were able to just show up at most places. Also, wine is super subjective and I recommend doing some research based on the types of wines you like (dry vs off dry, full-bodied vs. light-bodied etc). There are some wineries I love that others don’t and vice versa. For context, I love off-dry whites (ie. viognier, riesling) and full-bodied reds (ie. merlot). And if you don’t know what you like, try to find a good mix of wineries and find out!
Other:
Farmers Markets – there is one in Naramata on Wednesdays from 4-7pm at Manitou Park, and a much larger one in Penticton on Saturdays from 8:30am – 1pm.
Naramata General Store – our go-to place for cheese, deli meats, bread, ice cream, beer etc. They also have a large winery selection. You can also get both Poplar Grove and Upper Bench cheeses here, along with other great cheese and charcuterie board accompaniments.
Kettle Valley Railway Trail – a gravel path perfect for a bike ride or walk (go early before it’s too hot!). There are a couple different entry points where you can park a car. The views are beautiful up there.
Victoria Clayworks – right on Naramata road and featuring pottery from several local artists.
Wayne & Freda – if you go into Penticton (or maybe you’re staying there), definitely check out Wayne & Frida for their coffee shop and homewares shop, right beside each other.
