History of Vineyards in Penticton
Penticton's vineyards are historically rich, with winemaking being a significant aspect of the culture here. The first B.C. winery was licensed in 1923, but the development was stymied by prohibition just as the winemaking was taking off. However, by the mid-20th century, the industry started blossoming. The year 1952 marked a turning point when W.A.C. Bennett, an original partner in what today is known as Calona Wines, became premier. This helped kickstart large-scale commercial winemaking, paving the way for wineries like Bench 1775 located at 1775 Naramata Road, which offers breathtaking views and unique wines, an example of the labour of love at every step of cultivation and winemaking process.
The growth and evolution of vineyards in Penticton are stories interwoven with the history of the wineries. For instance, the family behind Da Silva Vineyards started their journey in Canada with farming expertise that paved the way for purchasing their first family orchard on the Naramata Bench in 1959. Now, with over 65 years of farming in the South Okanagan and having cultivated many different crops from their vineyards, they have an intrinsic understanding of their land and its unique and diverse aspects.
Winery Tours in Penticton
The vineyard tours in Penticton are designed for wine enthusiasts to immerse themselves in a truly authentic viticulture experience, guided by experts who are just as passionate about sharing their knowledge as they are about the intricate craft of winemaking. A visit to Bench 1775 Winery, for example, not only caters you with their sumptuous wines but provides a slice of the serene landscapes of the southern Lake Okanagan shore and the Naramata Bench.
Da Silva Vineyards offers a saga of perseverance and progression over the years. Walking through their vineyards feels like stepping into the past and witnessing the story of years of hard work, passion, and dedication that brought them here today. Once you explore their vineyards, the understanding of the unique expression of fruit grown on their land would make the tasting of their wines a unique experience.
Expert Wine Enthusiasts
For real wine connoisseurs, Penticton is an ultimate pilgrimage. The guided tours led by expert wine enthusiasts share not just the history and working knowledge of the vineyards, but also encourage visitors to understand the tangible and intangible aspects that make each wine unique. It could be the distinctive terroir, winemaking philosophy, the sight of distinctive wine casks, or perhaps the subtle reminders of the region's agricultural past in the form of old farm implements. This in-depth understanding helps you appreciate not just the wine you sip in the wine-tasting rooms, but also the entire journey - right from vine to glass.
