FOOD & WINE
NEIghbouring wineries
Less than 15 minute walk
Our neighbour to the South. You can see their vegetable garden, pig pen, and tasting room from the pool deck. They have a nice variety with something for everyone, including some bubbles, and offer a welcoming tasting experience. Their patio restaurant is fantastic for lunch (reservations recommended).
DEEP ROOTS | deeprootswinery.com
Our neighbour to the North, you can see the vineyards of Deep Roots directly below the sunset. They offer some of the best value wines on the bench, with many of their offerings coming in sub $30. They are great drinking wines perfect for sharing and their patio tastings are lovely. We enjoy their Cab Franc and Rose.
ELEPHANT ISLAND | elephantislandwine.com
Historically a fruit wine production, Elephant Island has recently branched into grape wine as well. Definitely a unique experience, but one that guests seem to love. Not for the wine snobs out there, but if you want to enjoy something a little more playful, this is a great spot. They are also the producers of the Naramata Cider Co, which makes some delicious dry ciders.
A well known staple in the area famous for their blends, JOIE has expanded their offerings of late and they also have a fantastic picnic area worth checking out (reservations recommended).
VAN WESTEN | vanwestenvineyards.com
A bit of a hidden gem, this is a guest favourite. Small and friendly, they offer an array of price points and varietals, a great tasting experience, and a fun atmosphere.
SERENDIPITY | serendipitywinery.com
An adorable little winery with a Tuscan feel and great selection of mid-range wines. Small outdoor bistro for light lunch as well.
THERAPY | therapyvineyards.com
A great brand that backs it up with some tasty wines. A really enjoyable tasting experience. The winery also features a few small luxury suites for rent.
Other favourites
Speaking from experience!
LITTLE ENGINE WINES | littleenginewines.com
Our personal favourite. Though we are admittedly a bit biased here, as this is the winery that we grow grapes for. BUT the reason that we chose them to grow for is that we love what they are doing. They produce great wines with a focus on sustainable farming. The tasting experience is excellent. And their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are quite simply some of the best the Okanagan has to offer.
PAINTED ROCK ESTATE WINERY | paintedrock.ca
Painted Rock is leading the charge in terms of garnering international attention for the region. With some of the best reds coming out of the Okanagan, especially the Red Icon, this is a must do while you’re in town. The spectacular views, modern architecture, and first class tasting experience don’t hurt either. A bit of a drive, but worth it.
A great tasting experience for those looking for a bit of education with their wine. A broad selection of wines, fantastic staff, and a nice outdoor seating area amongst the vines. A perfect introduction to the region.
This is our favourite place to start with guests visiting Naramata for the first time. Partly because it’s one of the first wineries we pass on the drive, but also because of the incredible views, modern tasting room, and lovely patio lunches! If you need to grab a bite, and sip some wine, while waiting for your check-in time, this is a great place to do it.
TIGHTROPE | tightropewinery.ca
A small family run vineyard that produces some outstanding reds. The setting is beautiful, and it’s just off the KVR trail, making it a convenient stop while out for a bike ride.
LEGEND DISTILLING | legenddistilling.com
This is a fun and welcome addition to the Bench. Focused on local craft spirits, you can take a break from wine tasting with delightful cocktails on their charming dog friendlypatio. They also make pre-mixed, bottled cocktails you can take home with you!
LA PETITE ABEILLE | lpacider.com
A wonderful boutique cider shopping applying French cider making flare to local fruit. We love their sparkling ciders, that feel part bubbly and part cider. Perfect for hot summer days.
FOOD
NARAMATA INN | naramatainn.com
Hands down, the best food in the region. With chef Ned Bell behind the scenes, the Inn has turned their focus hyper local, taking the farm to table concept to the next level. Outstanding food, great cocktails, an obviously killer wine list, along with consistently exceptional service. Reservations required. You can try to mention that you are guests of Ben Chimes. Sometimes it helps, sometimes it doesn’t. Depends on who answers the phone!
THE PATIO AT THE LAKE BREEZE | lakebreeze.ca
Only open for lunch, The Patio does ‘al fresco’ very well. With a serene patio setting and lovely local plates, you can’t go wrong here. Being a 5 minute walk from the house is a great bonus. Book early, as reservations can be tough to get.
THE RESTAURANT AT POPLAR GROVE | poplargrove.ca
Stunning lake views, overlooking the vineyards, in an open air patio setting. Food can be hit or miss, and it can get windy, but the setting is hard to beat. Worth a lunch stop for sure. Offers a nice tasting room as well if you want to combine experiences. Open for lunch and dinner, but often closed during the week.
THE BISTRO AT HILLSIDE | hillsidewinery.ca
Indoor and outdoor options with a well balanced menu and consistent execution. Right on the KVR trail as well, so a great place to stop mid ride to re-fuel. Limited lunch menu and a more formal dinner setting.
THE BENCH MARKET | thebenchmarket.ca
Probably the best brunch (or casual lunch) spot around. Lots of options, plus a plethora of snacks and pre-made meals to take home.
THE GRAPE LEAF CAFE | 360 Robinson Ave, Naramata
Another quality brunch option, this time right in Naramata. The food is great, the service is questionable, and they aren’t always open when they say they will be. Call first.
JUST BAKED COFFEE | 244 Robinson Ave, Naramata
Tiny little hole in the wall with great coffee and delicious treats. Opens at 8am.
THE NARAMATA PUB | naramatapub.ca
The service is slow but the food is good. Pool table in the back.
REAL THINGS PIZZA | realthingspizza.com
Tons of interesting options, surprisingly good, and they deliver.
DOOR DASH/SKIP THE DISHES
Believe it not, both these apps work at the house. Expect to wait an hour.