It's wine touring season!

For the next four weeks, check back every Wednesday as I curate itineraries for exploring some of BC's most beautiful wine regions. 

This week's itinerary – Exploring the Naramata Bench

Breakfast

The Bench Market

Start your day with house made granola and coffee brewed from locally roasted beans at this artisan market.

It is conveniently located minutes away from the plethora of wineries in the area. 

Photo credit: Contributed

Wine  

With seemingly endless wineries to choose from, it's best to determine a particular style as a starting point.

Aim to visit three wineries per day, and make sure you are hydrating often.

Producers currently on my radar, that are not to be missed, include:

Terravista Vineyards

Arguably, this winery is making some of the most compelling white wine coming out of BC, let alone Naramata.

Don't miss the Albariño or Fandango, a blend of Albariño and Verdejo. 

Day Dreamer Wines

This winery is owned by Master of Wine Marcus Ansems and wife Rachel, with a simple ethos – There is no secret to making good wine, it's all about paying attention to detail.

Be sure to try the Jasper, a Merlot/Cab blend, and the Amelia, Syrah with 10% Viognier. 

Marichel Vineyard and Winery

What I love about Marichel is their commitment to making only a few styles of wine and doing them extremely well.

Marichel Vineyard and Winery is among a growing contingent of wineries in BC making great examples of Syrah, but not aiming to mimic other standards from around the world.

Lunch

Upper Bench Winery and Creamery

Stock up on locally made cheese and head to Skaha Lake Park for a picnic by the water. 

Photo credit: Contributed

Dinner 

Front Street Brasserie

This restaurant is owned and operated by John and Lisa Burke. I have never had a bad meal here. Every dish has rendered me speechless.

Do not miss the croutons. I repeat, do not miss the croutons. 

Photo credit: Contributed

I personally enjoy a slower pace when wine touring. It leaves larger windows between appointments to allow for serendipitous opportunities or encounters.

Who knows who you could meet or where you might end up?

Stay tuned for next week's itinerary!