About this tour
When Jake from our team ran the Naramata Bench wine tour, we hit five wineries across a 5-hour private day in one of Canada's sharpest grape-growing regions. The Bench itself is a proper sun-soaked stretch of rolling hills above Okanagan Lake, where variable soils and microclimates push out solid reds — Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Malbec — and whites like Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Gewurztraminer. It's a quieter, more serious wine region than the big tourist zones; you're tasting alongside locals and wine nerds, not coach tours. The operator books your sit-down lunch, handles the driving, and keeps the pace relaxed.
Highlights
- Five wineries in one day — enough to find your favourite without feeling rushed
- Rolling hills and lake views; proper terroir story behind each glass
- Private transport means no crowded tasting rooms or group herding
- Lunch reservation sorted — you pick the venue, they organise it
- Mix of reds and whites reflects what actually grows well here
- Small-group vibe; guides know the producers personally
- Chilled water provided — essential during a full day of tasting
What to expect
Jake found the day well-paced and genuinely educational rather than rushed. You're picked up from Penticton or Summerland (outside this zone adds a surcharge — worth checking upfront), then driven through the Bench's gentler landscape, stopping at five different cellar doors. Tasting fees apply at each stop, and you can upgrade your pours if a wine catches your fancy. The operator books your lunch at one of the local restaurants — you've got choices, but it's not included in the tour price, so budget accordingly.
The real strength is the private setup: no competing for the tasting bar, no loud groups, and the driver knows the region inside out. The focus here is on the wine and the land, not Instagram moments. Weather on the Bench can swing — sunny one minute, windier the next — so layers work better than assuming constant heat. By mid-afternoon you're tasting your fourth or fifth wine, and the day's genuinely settled into a nice rhythm.
What travellers say
- Five wineries, one smooth private loop — no herding or crowds
- Terroir focus; guides genuinely know producers and their philosophies
- Lunch reservation handled; flexibility to choose your restaurant
- Chilled water all day keeps you sensible between tastings
- Suitable for all fitness levels — mostly sitting and walking short distances
- Tasting and lunch fees add up quickly beyond the tour price
- Transport surcharges apply if you're not in Penticton or Summerland
- Not recommended for pregnant travellers; long day on your feet
- Naramata Bench can be windy — bring layers despite the sunshine
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This tour suits anyone serious about wine but not snobbish about it. Pinot Noir fans will get a proper education; so will people trying Malbec for the first time. Private transport removes stress. The five-winery sweep hits enough ground to feel comprehensive without burning you out. Small kids can come (prams and infant seats available), though the long day of tasting-room stops isn't ideal for toddlers.
Lunch costs extra — budget $25–50 per head depending on your pick. Tasting fees stack up if you're upgrading; this isn't a cheap day. If you're outside Penticton or Summerland, transport surcharges kick in (starting $49 per group). Not suitable for pregnant travellers. The Bench sits exposed to wind coming off the lake; sun protection and a light jacket are essentials. Tips aren't included, so factor that in. Early starts suit some; check the actual pickup time before booking.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.