June 24th,2024 – The Naramata Bench region is celebrating the resounding success of the third annual “Best of the Bench” event, held at Poplar Grove Winery. The event began on June 5th with a blind tasting by two International Master of Wine’s, Siobhan Turner and Doug Frost, of the 75 wines submitted from over 26 wineries from The Naramata Bench Wineries Association. Each wine was sampled in flights and was categorized by varietal, residual sugar, and alcohol content. Both MWs were deeply impressed by the outstanding quality of the submitted wines, further reinforcing the exceptional reputation of the Naramata Bench region.

Out of the outstanding selection, Siobhan Turner and Doug Frost picked the top 12 wines, each deserving of accolades and recognition:

•     Elephant Island Winery - Blanc de Blancs 2015 (95 points)

•    Howling Bluff Estate Winery - Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2022 (95 points)

•    Upper Bench Estate Winery - Riesling 2022 (95 points)

•   Van Westen Vineyards - Viscous 2022 (92.5 points)

•    Four Shadows Vineyard & Winery - Riesling Classic 2023 (94.5 points)

•    Deep Roots Winery - Gamay 2022 (95 points)

•   Three Sisters Winery - Gamay 2022 (95.5 points)

•    Little Engine Wines - Gold Merlot 2020 (93 points) 

•   Terravista Vineyards - Fandango 2023 (93.5 points)

•   Moraine Estate Winery – Estate Pinot Noir 2022 (95 points)

•   Chain Reaction Winery - Reserve Blanc de Noir 2022 (93.5 points)

•   Tightrope Winery - Pinot Noir Fleet Road 2022 (92.5 points)

On the evening of June 6th, the Naramata Bench Wineries Association hosted a spectacular celebration of wine and food on the patio of Poplar Grove Winery. Wine enthusiasts and the public were warmly welcomed to indulge in a delightful tasting of wines from the 26 wineries in attendance while they mingled with passionate winemakers and owners. The evening was complemented by food stations and passed canapes by Executive Chef Stacy Johnston of The Restaurant at Poplar Grove.  

To commemorate the top 12 wineries success, twelve media packs showcasing these prestigious wines, will be distributed to both Canadian and International outlets, providing excellent exposure for the participating wineries and the Naramata Bench region.

The success of the “Best of the Bench” event highlights the amazing talent and dedication present on the Naramata Bench and builds anticipation for future events that continue to showcase the region’s extraordinary wines and elevate its global reputation.