Wine country is for everyone.
If you’re travelling with young children or bringing your four-legged family member along for the adventure, you’ll be happy to know that many of the wineries, cideries and breweries on the Naramata Bench are designed with the whole family in mind.
Think spacious lawns, children’s toys and games, water bowls for dogs, shady picnic areas, and welcoming tasting rooms where everyone can relax.
One of the best places to experience it all is Aikins Loop, a unique stretch of road just off the Naramata Bench that connects four wineries within just 700 metres. Park once, then stroll from winery to winery with your kids and dogs, stopping for tastings along the way and even enjoying lunch at the popular Hot Dog Lounge.
You can also purchase an Aikins Loop Tasting Pass, which includes special perks and discounts at each of the participating wineries.
Here are a few family-friendly stops to add to your itinerary, along with several other Bench favourites.
Deep Roots Winery
Perched on the iconic clay bluffs overlooking Okanagan Lake, Deep Roots Winery is a family-owned and operated winery with farming roots that stretch back more than 100 years and four generations.
The welcoming atmosphere extends well beyond the wine. Children will find games, toys and activities to enjoy, while dogs are greeted with water dishes and treats as guests relax with a tasting on the patio or inside the tasting room.
“You’re probably going to come to the tasting room and see our children anyways. We have kids games, kids toys, and activities so that parents can sip and kids can play,” says Heather Watt, who runs the wine shop.
Every vineyard block is farmed by hand, reflecting the family’s commitment to producing grapes that express each varietal at its very best.
Winemaker Will Hardman recommends trying the Reserve Chardonnay, Gamay and Parentage Red.
Tasting Room Hours: Daily, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Last tasting at 4:30 pm.
Elephant Island Winery & Naramata Cider Co.
Founded in 1999, Elephant Island Winery has long been known for crafting fruit-forward wines. In 2017, the family expanded with Naramata Cider Co., continuing their commitment to preserving a diverse agricultural landscape.
Both the wines and ciders are crafted using low intervention, living fermentation techniques.
Enjoy your tasting beneath the cherry trees while children explore the play area with toys and colouring activities. Dogs are equally welcome, with shady spaces and fresh water available throughout the property.
“It is very family oriented,” says Tasting Room Manager Hazel Bennett. “We definitely love having kids here. There’s toys and colouring. It’s more casual than some of the wineries you can go to.”
Tasting Room Hours: Daily, 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.
JoieFarm
With sweeping views of Okanagan Lake, JoieFarm offers one of the most picturesque settings on the Naramata Bench.
Stretch out on the expansive lawn, settle into an Adirondack chair, or spread out a picnic blanket beneath the heritage fruit trees while enjoying a glass of wine.
Now in its second season, the popular Hot Dog Lounge has become a favourite stop, serving gourmet hot dogs paired with Joie’s wines.
Families will appreciate the wide-open lawn, bocce games and relaxed atmosphere, while dogs have access to shady areas and water.
“We’re very uniquely placed on the Bench so we are facing the lake and mountain view. We are close to Manitou Beach, the KVR and Naramata Village, so we are very centrally located,” says General Manager BJ Tumanut.
JoieFarm also hosts a summer concert series with live music every other Thursday throughout the season.
For first-time visitors, Tumanut recommends starting with one of the winery’s signature wines.
“Noble Blend is our blended white. That is the wine that put us on the map and is still our #1 selling wine. We also have something new to our portfolio. It’s our first traditional method sparkling wine that we’ve made just for the Hot Dog Lounge this year.”
Tasting Room Hours: Daily, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Hot Dog Lounge Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday: 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Thursday to Saturday: 11:00 am to 7:00 pm
- Happy Hour daily from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Van Westen Vineyards
“No frills. Just barrels, bottles, and medals.”
That’s the philosophy at Van Westen Vineyards, where visitors are welcomed into “The Shed,” a rustic tasting room full of character.
Children are invited to get creative with chalk on the concrete floor while parents enjoy a tasting. Dogs can relax on the couch or cool off in the shade with fresh water nearby.
The Shed Hours: Wednesday through Monday, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Closed Tuesdays.
More Family-Friendly Stops on the Naramata Bench
Looking for even more places to explore with kids and dogs? Here are a few more favourites:
D’Angelo Estate Winery
Just minutes from Penticton and located beside the KVR Trail, D’Angelo features beautiful lake views, a spacious picnic lawn, a children’s play structure and an Italian food truck.
Origin Wines
A relaxed, welcoming tasting room with umbrellas for shade, toys and lawn games, plus plenty of comfortable seating options.
Three Sisters Winery
Families, first-time wine tasters and well-behaved dogs are all welcome. Enjoy a tasting at the bar, book a guided experience or relax on the picnic patio with a bottle.
Township 7 Vineyards & Winery
A large grassy picnic area provides plenty of space for children to play and dogs to stretch their legs while you enjoy your visit.
Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a weekend getaway or simply exploring the Bench with your dog, you’ll find plenty of welcoming places where everyone can enjoy the experience together.
To learn more about wineries, events and experiences on the Naramata Bench, visit Discover Naramata.
