PreservedLightPhotography — Think Naramata is best enjoyed warm? Think again.

When you combine a snowy winterscape with twinkling Christmas lights, cozy tasting rooms and small town charm….you just might find a new favourite time to discover Naramata.

Visiting wine country in the winter is a completely different experience than you’ve ever had before. True, you won’t be logging much time at the beaches that Naramata is famous for - but the experience of a Naramata Christmas is incomparable. If there was ever a place to “Eat, Drink and Be Merry (or Cozy!)” — just one festive getaway will prove that Naramata fits the bill.

From wine tasting, to winter dining, to cozy B&B’s to sink into at the end of the day, this guide to Christmas in Naramata has you covered.

DRINK:

WINTER WINE TOURING

Imagine spending your day enjoying a leisurely wine tasting experience. When wine touring in the winter, you’ll have the winemakers or owners themselves guiding you through your session! Come prepared with those burning questions you’ve always wanted to ask.

With Covid-19 requiring pre-booking of reservations, the days of commando wine touring have been replaced with intentional and slower experiences. If you want to slowly sip and savour your way through Naramata’s finest bottles, winter is a great time to come.

While many of the wineries have closed their tasting rooms, you’ll still be spoiled for choice.

A few wineries offering tastings throughout December include LITTLE ENGINE WINES, and TIGHTROPE WINERY. Just be sure to call first, as hours are often limited.

For something a little different, HILLSIDE WINERY is offering a guided Sensory Tasting Experience, where you’ll explore all things aroma. Using an aroma kit, you’ll learn how to recognize the specific characteristics of each wine. Learn how the terroir influences aroma, making the the Naramata Bench region such a unique place. Certainly not an experience for those busy summertime tasting trips!

If you’re looking for a casual unique experience, don’t miss DAYDREAMER WINES. They are one of the only producers of organically-grown grapes in the area — and if you’re lucky, you’ll get to meet their flock of adorable “Babydoll” sheep who act as au natural lawnmowers and weeders amongst the vines!

Does your palate need a break from all the wine? Don’t miss a tasting of handcrafted spirits at LEGEND DISTILLING, which are chock full of Naramata flavours. These folks are as serious about supporting local, as they are about crafting amazing flavours.

With an arsenal ranging from raspberry-infused vodka, to the herbaceous Silver Moon Gin, you’ll find it easy to pick out a favourite no matter your flavour profile preferences.

Be sure to grab a bottle of their hot-off-the-press Espresso Martini. It’s the perfect pick-me-up after a heavy holiday feast — and as a ready-to-drink cocktail, it’s quick and easy! Plus — it is the perfect size to slip into a stocking. (Love that rich and smooth espresso flavour? That’s Naramata-based HOMESTEAD ROASTERY beans right there, folks. Doesn’t get more local than that!)

And sometimes, only a cold beer will do. If you’re craving something cold and frosty, make your way to CANNERY BREWING - their massive lineup of craft-made beers will quench whatever you’re craving..

During the winter, it will be a hard choice between Thornless Blackberry Porter, Heist Maple Stout, or Kindling Imperial Stout.

You can always order a flight to sample several different beers (and be sure to get an order of house-made pretzel buns stuffed with cheddar — you can thank us later). Ask to be seated in the brand new “Cannery Brewhouse” space —- a newly imagined seating area that allows guests plenty of space, and the ‘walls’ made of beer cans make for Instagrammable moments..

If some of your go-to wineries aren’t open at this time of year, but you do want to re-stock some favourites, fear not. Most local wineries are still open for wine sales, even if their tasting rooms are closed. (Call first!). We keep this list of wineries updated, so all you need to do is decide how many bottles to splurge on.

EAT:

OUR TOP CHOICES FOR WINTER DINING

When the days are chilly and short, there is nothing better than a hearty and delicious meal to look forward to. From dawn till dusk, you’ll find menus to suit all budgets and cravings. Start the day off right with a generous eggs benedict at THE GRAPE LEAF. Be sure to grab a piece of carrot cake to enjoy later! If you’re at the Penticton end of the road, your best bet is a Bench Breakfast Burrito (stuffed with spinach, asparagus, gouda, & chipotle mayo) from THE BENCH MARKET. Come lunch time, nothing beats the fresh fish tacos from the NARAMATA PUB & GRILL (served with a glass of wine from their impressive by-the-glass list of local wines.).

But save room for dinner - the choices abound at the end of the day. THE BISTRO AT HILLSIDE WINERY offers an impressive menu on Thursday - Sundays, with options including pork cheeks served with braised red wine cabbage, cauliflower puree and toasted almonds (left) and roasted duck wings with star anise, sweet soy and green onion.

Their fine dining meals are also available to-go — so you can enjoy a delicious dinner in the comfort of your own room. The perfect option if you’d rather not go out, but don’t want to miss out on a dining experience.

If staying ‘in’ appeals, do as the locals do, and pick up a couple pizzas from REAL THINGS PIZZA. These are quite likely the best pizzas you’ve ever had, and you’re sure to find some flavour combinations that are as tasty as they are interesting.

Don’t miss the turkey and brie pizza, topped with fresh rosemary and cranberry sauce!

Celebrating a special occasion? Christmas with your ‘bubble’? There’s only one place to go — the newly-opened THE RESTAURANT at NARAMATA INN. Chef Ned Bell takes sourcing local product very seriously, and his menus change with the seasons. On a chilly winter evening, the Outlandish Shellfish Chowder to start will satisfy. If you’re sticking with fish, try the the Wild BC Sablefish, served with roasted celery root, Naramata honey & brioche crumble . Or for something a bit heartier, the Braised Beef Short Ribs (in an ELEPHANT ISLAND Stella cherry jus) will fill you up and pair beautifully with one of the rich, bold reds from their impressive wine list.

SHOP

Naramata is home to a number of unique retailers — no chain stores out here! If you need a few last Christmas gifts, there is no better gift than something unique and created by hand. Check out the FOREST GREEN MAN LAVENDER shop on Robinson Avenue, for a selection of toiletries, oils, and treats made from Naramata-grown lavender.

For beautiful handmade clothing, nearby you’ll find SHADES OF LINEN - a unique space filled with all sorts of breathable, comfortable and high quality clothing.

Or perhaps you prefer to display your art instead of wearing it? If so, consider a unique piece of artwork from CORMIER’S STUDIO - they offer an impressive display of artwork including glass, canvas and metalwork.

But if it’s too hard to settle on that one perfect gift, you can’t go wrong with a done-for-you assortment of delicious local treats. The NARAMATA INN is offering a selection of curated gift assortments, featuring the best flavours of Naramata all in one box. Ranging from culinary-focused gift boxes, to curated wine collections, this is the perfect gift for the die-hard Naramata enthusiast (who is likely counting down the days until the next visit!). Pick one up while you’re in town, or have it shipped for a little piece of taste of the Okanagan, at home.

EXPLORE

During the day, there are plenty of places to explore — even in the midst of winter! A walk on the KVR Trail is invigorating, and a dusting of snow makes it a great places to cross-country ski. Looking for more outdoor adventures? We have a whole list of winter activity ideas to keep you busy outside! For some indoor adventure, look no further than the bouldering gym at HOODOO ADVENTURES - the perfect way to burn off those extra indulgences!

Once the sun has set, take a stroll in the Village to enjoy the impressive displays of holiday lights. Residents and businesses are engaging in a friendly neighbourhood competition, all vying for the title and glory of winning the Christmas Lights Competition award. After you stroll along Robinson, be sure to check out the light display down at Naramata’s Centre Beach. As a thank-you to the community who recently crowdfunded over $1,000,000 to save the beach from private development the NaramataSlow organization has decorated the park in an impressive display of light.

SLEEP

Naramata has accommodations of all types and for all budgets. The following accommodators have confirmed that they’ll remain open throughout the holiday season:

CORMIER'S STUDIO B&B (495 Vancouver Avenue, Penticton)
HOTEL BENCH D’OR B&B (2587 Naramata Rd, Naramata)
NARAMATA DREAMING (2930 Outlook Way, Naramata)
NARAMATA INN (3625 1st Street, Naramata)
THE VILLAGE MOTEL (244 Robinson Avenue, Naramata)

Whether you live nearby and are exploring close to home this Christmas, or you’re (safely) travelling here once it is permitted, Naramata can certainly fit the bill for being a festive, welcoming destination over the holidays. With so many places to eat, drink, and ‘be cozy’, a Naramata Christmas might have to become an annual tradition!

Ready to plan your next trip to wine country?

As things quiet down with the change of seasons, we keep you updated on which businesses are open and which are currently resting up. Click the button below for the most updated version of “What’s Open”.

What's Open Guide

Eat, Drink and Be Cozy in Naramata This Christmas