The Naramata Bench is a prestigious wine-growing region in British Columbia, Canada, located on the eastern shore of Okanagan Lake. It is known for its unique microclimate, perfect for growing a wide variety of grapes. It's named after the small town of Naramata in the region.
The region has over 40 licensed wineries, many of which are small, family-owned operations. A large number of these wineries have won local, national, and international awards for their wines. They produce a variety of types such as pinot noir, chardonnay, merlot, pinot gris and other varietals.
The Naramata Bench is also known for its beautiful scenery, with lush vineyards overlooking the sparkling waters of the Okanagan Lake. The area offers wine tours, tastings, and various events throughout the year. It's also popular for cycling along the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, providing a scenic tour of the region’s vineyards and landscapes.
The area's local community is deeply connected with viticulture and hospitality industries, and is known for its warm, welcoming spirit towards guests.
It has also benefited from sustainable farming practices and advances in vineyard management and winemaking techniques.
In 2019, Naramata Bench received recognition as an official sub-region for wine production, acknowledging its unique terroir and the distinct qualities of the wine produced in this region. This specific label can now be used by wineries to distinguish themselves, reflecting the high quality wine that comes from this particular region.
