A Look into the Past
Penticton, from the Interior Salish word Snpintktn, is home to the Syilx First Peoples for over 7,000 years. It was these first inhabitants who were instrumental in aiding the European fur traders to traverse through the Okanagan region. In the 1920's, the first grape wines of BC were produced, and by the 1960's South Okanagan began its remarkable journey from a small, intimate community to a formidable player on the global winemaking stage.
Penticton's Rich Wine Portfolio
Wineries Along the Naramata Bench
The Naramata Bench is a renowned wine region boasting a collection of exceptional wineries that offer breathtaking views of Okanagan Lake. This area is celebrated for its diverse microclimates and unique terroir, which produce a wide variety of high-quality wines. Wineries like Poplar Grove, known for its bold reds and elegant whites, and Bench 1775, offering a stunning lakefront patio, highlight the bench's vibrant wine culture. Each winery provides a unique tasting experience, often accompanied by gourmet food pairings and picturesque picnic areas, making the Naramata Bench a must-visit for wine enthusiasts.
Wineries Along the Summerland Bottleneck Drive
Summerland’s Bottleneck Drive is a picturesque wine route featuring a variety of boutique wineries, each with its own distinct charm. This scenic drive takes you through rolling vineyards and orchard-lined roads, offering stops at wineries like Thornhaven Estates, renowned for its aromatic whites and rosés, and SummerGate Winery, which focuses on organic and biodynamic practices. Visitors can enjoy intimate tasting sessions, explore beautifully landscaped grounds, and savour locally-produced wines that capture the essence of Summerland’s unique terroir.
Wineries in Penticton and to Okanagan Falls
Penticton serves as a gateway to some of the best wineries in the Okanagan Valley, with an impressive selection of vineyards located both within the city and its surrounding areas. Wineries like TIME Winery, situated right in downtown Penticton, offer urban wine tasting experiences with a touch of sophistication. Penticton’s wineries are known for their welcoming atmosphere, excellent hospitality, and diverse wine offerings, making it a perfect destination for both novice and seasoned wine lovers.
As you venture through the Okanagan Falls, from Penticton to Vaseux Lake, you find a string of small but ardent wineries that are the lifeblood of Penticton’s wine industry. Just a short drive away, you'll find wineries such as Pentâge Winery, which boasts stunning views and a range of premium wines. Over 20 wineries, each with their unique character, culture, and wine selections allow visitors to experience a wide range of crisp whites, deep reds, and sweet dessert wines. Here, exceptional craftsmanship and a genuine love for winemaking are bottled together, creating vintages that delight with every sip.
The Winemaking Process
Penticton's wineries have mastered the magical transformation of sun-bathed grapes into luscious wines. It is a year-round process that begins when the vines start to bud in the spring. Through proper vine training and canopy management, the wineries ensure that each grape berry receives adequate sunlight and airflow. Autumn is the season of harvest, where each grape is handpicked. Pressing, fermenting, and aging follow, where the wineries' secrets come into play. Their unique combination of oak barrels, fermentation methods, and time all contribute to making each wine from Penticton distinct and delightful.
Winery Experiences
Journeying through Penticton's vineyards offers more than a wine tasting experience. Meander through the vineyards, hear the tales of the vines from the passionate winemakers, and soak in the stunning views of Okanagan Lake amidst the backdrop of towering mountains. In between your winery visits, you can indulge in outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and bird watching, showcasing Penticton's diverse offerings.
