With our anniversary in spring, it’s a season of love for Jake and I. Our favourite gift for each other is always a local getaway and this year we explored the best couples spots and activities in Naramata, BC.
Since we’re chronically extroverted, we planned this special itinerary with two other couples, local foodie blogger Jenna Swetlikoff and Uncork BC Wine’s Kayla Bordignon, creator of the BC Wine Passport. Naramata checks all of our boxes for a stunning destination, culinary delights, and world-class wine.
Day 1: Serenity Vista
Check-in to accommodations with a view. The road to Naramata carves through the countryside like Bacchus finger-painted it himself. The Bench sits high above Okanagan Lake with vineyards that cascade down towards the water.
An accommodation without this spectacular view would be a serious shame. We recommend exploring the options that Okanagan Wanderlust provides such as Serenity Vista.
This newly built, four-bedroom home features ample space for families or groups to enjoy the views from three separate decks, hot tub, and loungers. A fully stocked kitchen, two living rooms, and a large games room are at your disposal.
The master bedroom boasts a massive walk-in closet and en-suite with double sinks and a freestanding bathtub.
We began our experience with an at-home, wine and cheese tasting, from 1 Mil Road Winery and Poplar Grove Cheese. The artisanal cheeses pair heavenly with the wines from this region, especially the Tiger Blue.
You can visit and tour Poplar Grove Cheese as well for an in-person experience at their adorable tasting house.
Next, visit Time Winery, a boutique winery housed in a historic building in Penticton. In what used to be a theatre house, enjoy a romantic dinner at the newly branded, Orolo Restaurant and Cocktail Bar.
The intimate ambiance sets the perfect tone for your evening. If you were following along on Instagram you witnessed my first saboring experience here at Time!
This is a winery with a long-standing tradition of making some of the best wines in BC, yet the vibe is anything but stuffy. The staff, the tours, the tastings, and food pairings all carry an air of fun and passion.
Day 2:
Naramata Bench is a small village blessed with hot sunny weather from June to October. I recommend parking the car and abandoning it for a pair of two wheels through Penticton eKruise.
These e-bikes allow you to experience the terroir and sweeping landscape in a more intimate way. Have them delivered for convenience sake, you’ll receive a full tutorial and everything you need including cooler bags on the back.
The bikes allow you to access the amazing KVR trails with highlights such as the Naramata tunnel and trestle. This was a definite highlight of our whole group.
Make your first stop a visit to Little Engine Winery to taste incredible pinot noirs and chardonnays in their unique structure, outdoor tasting room.
Indoor private tastings are available to book as well for those who want to escape the heat as they sip premium wines. I recommend a stroll through the vines to have a look at the 80 year old plum tree that lives among the grapes.
Your next stop is Abandoned Rail Brewery, a craft brewery housed in a historic building. Sample their unique selection of beers and enjoy a light lunch at their tasting room or outside on the covered picnic tables.
For kids, non-drinkers, or those looking for nostalgia in days gone by, try their iconic apple slushie which was a staple here when the brewery used to be known as the “Trail Store”.
Serendipity Winery for lunch will transport you to a little town in Italy. With a covered patio surrounded by lush vines and Mediterranean architecture, you’ll enjoy the magnificent dishes created by Chef Tristan.
Chef’s passion for presentation matches his skills in combining taste and textures that will have you moaning over each bite.
Most ingredients are sourced locally including some that are foraged by Chef Tristan himself around the province! Dishes that cannot be missed include the Coffee Roasted Carrots, Truffle Mushroom Risotto, and Road 17 Arctic Char.
For something a little different along the bench, make a stop at Legend Distillery where innovative handmade spirits are made. Here you can pull up to the bar for a spirits tasting or head to the incredible patio that faces the lake for creative cocktails.
If you love the idea of a wine club you should consider Legend Distillery’s Cocktail Club program, delivered to your door 5 times a year. Seasonal recipes created by the Legend staff, spirits, and fixings are all included along with a grocery list for additional garnishes.
Time to enjoy some of that South Okanagan sun aboard one of Penticton Boat Rentals’ luxury watercrafts. Book one of their high-end surfboats, ski-boats or pontoons for a lazy afternoon or an adrenaline filled one!
We opted for a tour of Naramata from the water in a luxurious pontoon as owner, Jordan MacCallum, showed us some of the best sights.
This is a fun way to oogle the stunning lakefront properties that line the shores of Naramata and Summerland with the wind blowing through your hair. The Penticton Boat Club is a great choice for locals to get out on the water all summer long!
As the breeze starts to cool, it’s time to head to Penticton’s newest restaurant downtown, Kin & Folk, for Asian-inspired share plates and unique cocktails. This is both a romantic spot for two and also the perfect spot to bring a group together to share a meal.
The vision was to create a space where family and friends come together to make memories around good food and laughter. The cuisine is contemporary and visionary with decor to match.
We couldn’t get enough bao buns or jerk chicken karaage and highly recommend the Shiso Burrata as well!
Day 3:
If day three happens to be a Sunday, make reservations to the Neverland Tea Cottage in the heart of Naramata for high tea. This is easily the most instagrammable spot in the village.
If you’ve been following my travels, you’ll know that high tea is my happy place and I’ve experienced some of the fanciest high teas offered around the province. I can say without a doubt, this is one of my absolute favourites!
The whimsy comes over you like an enchantment as you sit down to order from a large selection of artisanal teas to accompany your traditional, vegetarian, or gluten free lunch tier. I’m still dreaming about the citrus scones. Seatings take place at 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm on Sundays only.
I hope this itinerary has you wildly inspired for your next romantic getaway.
For suggestions for what to enjoy on a girl’s-only weekend in Naramata, read “Here’s why Naramata is at the top of our girl’s getaway list!”
Keep your eyes open for more from the BC Bucket List Family as we return to exploring the province in August, for now, follow our family as we spend two weeks in Ireland and two weeks in a mystery European location with our three little boys @loewenlifestyle!
