A Dream Passed Through Generations…
Knowledge is generational, as is language, culture and tradition. How about dreams, though, and passion? Can they be passed down through generations? The desire to care for land that, in turn, provides. A symbiotic relationship of nurturing and nourishment, where stunning vistas, quality produce and conservation are the key ingredients to a dream now recognized. Elephant Island Winery is precisely that - a dream passed down through generations, bringing to life a vision from the past to be enjoyed in the present.

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." ~ Helen Keller

Located in Naramata Village, 1 Mill Road is more than a winery. It's a lifestyle. A commitment to care for the land and nurture the fruit it bears. A bond with the Earth and one another. Two pairs of hands. Two hearts. A passion that blossoms each year. A love that grows throughout the seasons. 

"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. 

“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.