Lake Breeze Vineyards, a staple of the Naramata Bench, provides a serene experience reflecting its surroundings' natural beauty. Known for its commitment to crafting estate-grown wines, Lake Breeze has built a reputation for producing some of the finest wines in British Columbia. The winery's focus on quality, sustainability, and a great respect for the land sets it apart in a region renowned for its winemaking excellence.
Lake Breeze's Place on the Naramata Bench
Since its establishment in the mid-1990s, Lake Breeze Vineyards has become integral to the Naramata Bench wine community. The winery's commitment to producing wines that reflect the terroir has earned it a loyal following and a place among the top producers in the region. Lake Breeze is known for its exceptional wines and the serene atmosphere it offers visitors, making it a favourite destination for those looking to enjoy the best of the Naramata Bench.
The History and Evolution of Lake Breeze Vineyards
Lake Breeze Winery, located on the scenic Naramata Bench overlooking Lake Okanagan, has a rich history that began when the MacIntyre family purchased the property in 2001. Originally known as Rock Oven Vineyards, the 14-acre parcel was first planted with vines in 1985, making it home to some of the oldest grapevines in the region. The winery was named after the cooling breezes that sweep across the bluffs, creating ideal growing conditions for the grapes.
From its modest beginnings, Lake Breeze has grown into one of British Columbia's most beautiful and respected wineries, known for its commitment to honouring the land through meticulous viticultural practices. With a focus on minimal intervention, the winery strives to capture the natural expression of the grape in every bottle. The MacIntyres, inspired by the craft of a talented young winemaker, have poured their passion into creating a portfolio of fine wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Naramata Bench.
The Wines of Lake Breeze Vineyards
Lake Breeze Winery offers a diverse range of wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Naramata Bench and the winery's commitment to minimal intervention winemaking. The wines are crafted to be clean, crisp, and fruit-driven, capturing the grapes' natural expression with as little manipulation as possible.
Lake Breeze Cellar Series
Among the offerings, the Lake Breeze Cellar Series is a luxurious collection adorned with the winery's signature wind goddess. Each varietal in this series pays homage to the regional winds influencing the winemaking style, resulting in distinct wines embodying the area's feeling. Notable wines in this series include the 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, known for its acidity and refreshing citrus notes, and the 2022 Syrah, which showcases rich flavours of dark fruit and spice with a balanced structure.
Heritage Reserve
In addition to the Cellar Series, Lake Breeze introduced the MacIntyre Heritage Reserve label in 2016, offering an additional premium line of wines crafted by winemaker Garron Elmes. These wines are a bold celebration of the winery's legacy, honouring those who have come before. The MacIntyre wines represent the pinnacle of Lake Breeze's winemaking efforts, featuring exceptional varietals that are carefully selected and aged to perfection. The 2021 Tempest, a Bordeaux-style blend, exemplifies this range with its complex layers of ripe berries, subtle oak, and a lingering finish.
Other Notable Wines
Other notable wines include the Berg Pinotage, which uniquely expresses this South African varietal with robust flavours and a smooth texture, and the Alizé Roussanne, a white wine with elegant floral aromas and a rich, creamy palate. Each bottle from Lake Breeze demonstrates the winery's dedication to producing the Naramata Bench's finest wines.
Unique Terroir and Vineyards
The vineyards at Lake Breeze Winery are integral to producing the winery's high-quality wines. Initially planted in 1985, the vines have been meticulously managed by President and Winemaker Garron Elmes for over two decades. The winery has expanded its care to encompass 70 acres of vines, including those of their dedicated growers on the Naramata Bench.
Vineyard Manager Pierre Levesque, who has been with Lake Breeze since 2015, brings extensive experience from his travels to vineyards worldwide. He emphasizes that "great wines start in the vineyard," reflecting the winery's philosophy of minimal intervention to preserve the grapes' natural expression.
Under Pierre's management, the vineyards are maintained with a strong focus on sustainability, incorporating natural and environmentally friendly practices to reduce chemical use. This careful and consistent approach from vineyard to cellar ensures that Lake Breeze continues to produce wines of exceptional quality year after year.
The Visitor Experience at Lake Breeze Vineyards
Tasting Room and Atmosphere
The tasting room at Lake Breeze Winery offers a relaxed and welcoming experience for visitors eager to explore the winery's acclaimed wines. Located just 20 minutes north of Penticton on the scenic Naramata Bench, the tasting room is open daily from 11 am to 5 pm, and no reservations are needed. Guests can enjoy a selection of the winery's clean, crisp, and fruit-driven wines in a stunning setting, making it a perfect stop along the wine trail. The winery also offers a special incentive—a free 13th bottle with the purchase of an entire case—allowing visitors to take home even more of their favourite wines. The tasting room experience at Lake Breeze is designed to be easygoing and enjoyable, making it a must-visit for locals and travellers.
Culinary Offerings
The Patio Restaurant
The Patio Restaurant at Lake Breeze Winery offers an authentic farm-to-table dining experience led by Chef de Cuisine Mark Ashton. With over a decade of experience in the Lake Breeze kitchen, Mark and his team craft unforgettable dishes using organic, ethically sourced, and locally grown ingredients. The recent addition of the Farmstead at Lake Breeze enhanced this experience, allowing the team to grow their vegetables, fruit, and herbs onsite. These ingredients are harvested moments before being plated, ensuring the freshest flavours.
Each dish on the menu is thoughtfully designed to pair perfectly with the winery's handcrafted wines, offering guests an immersive and rustic culinary experience reflecting the best Okanagan's seasonal bounty. The Patio Restaurant invites visitors to enjoy this unique dining experience without reservation.
The Farmstead
The Farmstead at Lake Breeze Winery offers visitors an authentic and immersive farm experience that complements the winery's focus on farm-to-table dining. Located on a historic parcel of land once settled by the Sammet family over a century ago, the Farmstead spans two acres steps from The Patio Restaurant and Tasting Room. Guests can enjoy a cappuccino from the market trailer, stroll through the kitchen orchard and vegetable gardens, or engage in lighthearted activities like giant chess or cornhole.
The Farmstead also features a small pasture with chickens and pigs, adding to the rustic charm. This expansion allows Lake Breeze to grow more organic produce, enhancing the culinary offerings and deepening the connection between the land and the wine and food experiences. The Farmstead at Lake Breeze embodies the winery's dedication to preserving the land's heritage while offering visitors an escape in the Okanagan.
Recognition and Awards
Over the years, Lake Breeze Vineyards has garnered numerous awards and accolades for its wines, solidifying its reputation as one of the leading producers on the Naramata Bench. These recognitions reflect the winery's commitment to quality and dedication to crafting expressive and well-balanced wines. The accolades have helped elevate Lake Breeze's profile, attracting attention from wine critics and enthusiasts locally and internationally.
The winery's success in competitions and positive media coverage has further established Lake Breeze as a critical player in the Okanagan wine scene. The recognition highlights the quality of the wines and the skill and passion of the winemaking team, who work tirelessly to ensure that each bottle lives up to the winery's high standards.
Conclusion
Lake Breeze Vineyards is a shining example of what makes the Naramata Bench a special place for winemaking. The winery's focus on estate-grown, small-lot wines, its respect for the terroir, and its commitment to sustainability all contribute to the exceptional quality of its wines. For those seeking to experience the Naramata Bench, a visit to Lake Breeze offers excellent wine and a journey through the art of winemaking in one of Canada's most beautiful wine regions.
