10 Best Wineries in Naramata You Must Visit (Tried & Rated by Locals)
If there’s one place in British Columbia that truly captures the magic of vineyard-draped hills and shimmering lake views, it’s Naramata. As locals, we find ourselves returning to the Naramata Bench every chance we get. Whether it’s a romantic weekend drive or a lazy afternoon sipping Pinot Noir with a view, we’re always discovering new favourites. In this guide, we’ll share our personal favourite wineries in Naramata and give you the full scoop on the best wineries in Naramata, based on wine quality, tasting room experiences, scenery and overall vibe. From boutique gems to iconic vineyards, here’s your ultimate local guide to sipping your way through Naramata wine country.
Why Trust Us? We’re not just writing this as travel bloggers. We’re locals who live in Kelowna having moved here from Vancouver for the sunshine, scenery and of course the wine. We’ve personally visited every winery on this list (many more than once) and our taste buds don’t lie. Also, I am WSET Level 2 Wines Certified (Wine and Spirits Education Trust) and understand the intricacies and details about wines. Our honest opinions, insider tips, and love for the Okanagan wine region are what make this list stand out.
Planning a full Okanagan wine trip? Pair your Naramata adventure with a visit to the vineyards in and around Kelowna. Here’s our local guide for Best Winery Restaurants in Kelowna.
Our Favourite Wineries in Naramata
While there are plenty of fantastic wineries in the region, these two have become our personal must-visits. If you only have time for a few stops, start here.
Poplar Grove Winery
Poplar Grove is one of Naramata’s most iconic names and my most favourite. Their wines are bold and expressive especially the Legacy, a Bordeaux-style blend (typically composed of a mix of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Petit Verdot). The tasting room is airy and modern, with floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase jaw-dropping views of Okanagan Lake and Penticton.
Local Tip: Their restaurant, offers gourmet, wine-paired meals with panoramic patio seating. Their slow cooked halibut is my favorite!
Roche Wines
Roche Wines is a boutique family-run winery that nails both elegance and authenticity. Their wines are known for their minimal-intervention winemaking and French roots. The Pinot Noir is delicate, layered, and among our favourites in BC. Their Pinot Gris is also great, very crip and refreshing. The tasting room is intimate, with personalized service that feels like chatting with passionate friends.
Quick Comparison: Best Wineries in Naramata
| Winery | Signature Wines | Vibe | Rating |
| Poplar Grove | Legacy Blend, Merlot | Modern, Views | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Roche Wines | Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris | Intimate, Boutique | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Nichol Vineyard | Syrah, Cab Franc | Rustic, Laid-back | ⭐⭐⭐✨☆ |
| Hillside Winery | Gewürztraminer, Red Blends | Elegant, Bistro | ⭐⭐⭐✨☆ |
| JoieFarm | A Noble Blend | Casual, Picnic-style | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Daydreamer Wines | Orange Wine | Artistic, Chill | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Bella Wines | Sparkling Only | Quirky, Niche | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Lake Breeze | MacIntyre Heritage Reserve | Classic, Views | ⭐⭐⭐✨☆ |
| Little Engine Wines | Chardonnay | Premium, Patio | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Tightrope Winery | Riesling, Syrah | Low-key, Serene | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
Best Wineries in Naramata: 10 Stunning Picks
Here’s our curated list of the best wineries in Naramata, including our top two. Each one has something unique to offer whether it’s the view, the tasting experience or just downright incredible wine.
1. Hillside Winery
Famous for its beautiful stone tower and signature Bistro (also worth dining at), Hillside is great for both wine lovers and foodies. Their Gewürztraminer and single vineyard Terroir tastings are standouts.
Local Tip: Try the wine and food pairing flight for a full sensory experience.
2. JoieFarm
If you’re into vibrant whites and food-friendly wines, JoieFarm is your place. The picnic-style tasting area has European charm and their A Noble Blend (a white aromatic blend) is a local legend. It has a casual vibe, family-friendly space and excellent summer sippers.
3. Daydreamer Wines
Tucked into a peaceful spot with lake views, this winery is as dreamy as the name. They do small-lot natural wines and sustainable farming/winemaking. Their orange wine (yes, really) is a fun twist for adventurous palates.
Local Tip: Don’t miss their sparkling Shiraz – focuses on the crunchy fruit and beautifully finessed mousse.
4. Bella Wines
Canada’s one of the few sparkling-only winery, Bella is a unique gem. If you love bubbles, this is non-negotiable. Everything here is small batch and traditional method. They often use different vineyard sites for the same grape, letting you taste terroir like never before.
5. Lake Breeze Vineyards
A classic Naramata stop that’s as much about the views as it is about the wine. Perched on a slope overlooking Okanagan Lake, Lake Breeze lives up to its name with open-air patios that are perfect for a slow afternoon and one of the best lake views on the Bench. Their MacIntyre Heritage reserve blends showcase the best of Naramata fruit with deep complexity and structure. Though we enjoyed their signature red blend, Tempest.
Local Tip: They also have a lovely patio bistro with a view for lunch, make sure you book in advance.
6. Little Engine Wines
This is where luxury meets craftsmanship. Little Engine is all about premium, small-lot production. You can feel that attention to detail from the sleek, modern tasting room to the moment you sip their award-winning Chardonnay, a creamy, oak-aged beauty with depth. We also liked their Merlot is just as memorable, often featured on BC’s best wine lists.
Local Tip: Book a private seated tasting for a deep dive into their Platinum and Gold label wines, which aren’t available in most stores.
7. Nichol Vineyard
One of the original pioneers on the Naramata Bench, Nichol Vineyard is known for its old-vine Syrah and rugged, no-fuss vibe. A casual, welcoming environment that’s all about the wine, not the fluff. The view here is spectacular and the wine is top-notch especially their Cab Franc.
8. Tightrope Winery
A smaller, boutique winery that truly punches above its weight. Tightrope focuses on balance both in name and winemaking philosophy – it shows in every sip. Their Riesling is zesty with a touch of sweetness and their Syrah is silky with subtle spice. The outdoor seating area feels relaxed and tucked away from the crowds, making it ideal for those looking for a more intimate vibe.
Local Tip: If available, don’t miss their Wine + Chocolate Tasting (chocolate is locally sourced), this pairing makes for a truly memorable experience.
9. Roche Wines (Our Favourite)
We already gushed about them, but if you love small-batch, artisan winemaking, Roche is a must.
10. Poplar Grove Winery (Our Most Favourite)
Our most favourite because of the jaw-dropping views of Okanagan Lake, their Legacy blend never disappoints and the delicious Vanilla Pod restaurant.
Final Thoughts: Why Naramata Bench is Worth Visiting
There’s something truly magical about the Naramata Bench. With over 40 wineries packed into a stretch of land between the lake and the hills, you could easily spend days (or weeks!) exploring. Whether you’re after bold reds, crisp whites, or unique varietals like orange wine and traditional-method sparkling, there’s a place here for every taste.
As locals, we’ve been to wine regions all over the world from Tuscany to Marlborough but this list of best wineries in Naramata still holds a special place in our hearts.
