"In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer." ~ Albert Camus

The calm after the storm. Pouring water on glowing embers, the remnants of a fun evening with friends. Walking home to the beat of your own footsteps echoing off the sleeping houses lining either side of an empty street. Sliding into a warm, cozy bed, humming the evening's soundtrack before drifting off to sleep. 

That same music awaits as the sun peaks through the window to announce a brand-new day. Stepping outside, you're surrounded by a symphony of birds and insects, busy about their business in the fresh morning air. Their presence complements the stillness of the early hours as dew drops shimmer on the petals and leaves of your colourful garden. It's a fine start to the day. 

“WINTER IS NOT A SEASON, IT’S A CELEBRATION.” ~ ANAMIKA MISHRA

For those of us who have visited parts of Europe during the festive season, it's pretty clear that European Christmas markets are tough to beat. Holiday vibes, smiling faces, friends and family, crafts, food, wine - it's like an amusement park for the senses with a dash of coziness to boot. 

Now, this may be a biased opinion, but here in Canada, we really know how to celebrate Christmas. It's in our blood. Aside from having the right climate for it, we're a country that loves being social, even when days shorten and things start to cool down. This begs the question, then: why, with our connection to Winter and partial European heritage, do we not host markets to the same degree? 

The answer is: we do! 

As the winter months roll in, the Naramata Bench becomes a playground for snowshoeing, hiking, and exploring. Trails like the Kettle Valley Rail Trail offer snow-dusted views over Okanagan Lake, and a brisk hike here is sure to refresh the spirit. Afterward, cozy up by a fire with a glass of local wine or hot cocoa.

We’ve talked about the buzz of Summer. Also, the short window when Summer ends. But there's something else we'd like to tell you about. Another little secret we'd like to let you in on. Are you ready? 

Naramata is more than a one-season destination. 

That's right! Naramata has something for everyone all year long and Autumn, an unsung season itself, is now upon us. Shortening days and cooler evenings mean an annual sense of coziness has begun. Sunny days remain abundant only minus the summer heat. Colours are changing, bringing a new vibrancy to the local landscape. Restaurants, accommodations, activities and tasting rooms remain open, and without the line-ups of the high season, there are plenty of opportunities to get to know the locals a bit more.

"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers."

~ L. M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

What brings you joy?

Friendly faces, perhaps? How about a sense of community? Or maybe events? Landscapes? Ease of getting around? Delicious food? I know... a mouthful of approachable wine in the sun with your favourite furry friend, taking in stunning views while being tempted by the aromas of mouthwatering food being cooked not far from where you parked your bike. Sound too good to be true? Well, you're in luck because it is true, and it's oh-so-good!

JoieFarm Winery

Located here inNaramata, this is where joy is more than a name; it's an ethos. BJ Tumanut, who has been withJoie for seven years, is the definition of joy in human form.  

"Okay, this might sound cheesy. It's true, though, so I don't mind. Our goal here at Joie is to bring joy to every moment and everything we do. Whether winemaking or interacting with the public, we constantly strive to connect with our community. Of course, we're proud of thequality of our wine, but it's really the quality of every interaction we have with people that best represents our culture. To me, joy is more than positivity. It's a key ingredient in who we are and has been part of our vision from the beginning."

An Irresistible Recipe

One cup of practicality, a cup and a half of flexibility, a splash of creativity, and a sprinkle of all things local. Mix these together. What are we left with? An irresistible recipe people can't get enough of. 

With over twenty years in business and counting, it's safe to say that Real Things Pizza has more than the adequate amount of these ingredients needed to excite the taste buds and fill the bellies of anyone lucky enough to try one of their masterfully crafted pizzas. 

"We're a local mom-and-pop pizza joint where the crust is as good as the toppings, and the unique variety exceeds expectations. Where the staff are made up of local teenagers eager to take on the logo as a local right of passage, making dough and slinging sauce. Where the delivery drivers don't mind bringing your order to you and your crew right at the beach. That's right, they deliver right to the beach! Biting into a Real Things Pizza is a great way to end your day and an experience you don't want to miss out on."    ~ LaVonne Gould

...the end of Summer holidays doesn't mean the end of Summer. There are still a few weeks to go before the official changing of seasons, and the weather here in Naramata is as beautiful as ever. The sun is shining, the lake is warm, and everything is still open and operating as usual. In fact, the only difference from one week ago is the amount of people around. It's quiet, with all the benefits and amenities the busiest season has to offer, minus the crowds. 

How wonderful is that? For the next few weeks, visitors to Naramata will get to enjoy their own private Summer.

It's like being at a concert where the rest of the audience has cleared out, leaving the band onstage to play a little longer just for you. Your own little encore.

And not only that, but we have something else we're excited to share with you. The cherry on top, if you will. 

Introducing Discover Naramata Audio Tours

Aaaah, the rat race. Something most of us have been or are being dragged into, whether we like it or not. Scrambling through life as days blend into weeks, into months, into "Oh no! Where's the time gone?" Balancing more than we can handle, growing up has become a circus. Before we know it, we've juggled ourselves into an older age bracket, wondering where our twenties, thirties, forties, and fifties have gone. A race to retirement, if you will. 

Many would say it's good to be busy. Many more would prefer not to comment, instead closing their eyes and waiting for the rollercoaster of adulthood to end. It's a strange existence when you think about it.