Naramata Bench 5 Winery Tour

Thinking about exploring the Okanagan wine scene? The Naramata Bench 5 Winery Tour offers a pretty appealing way to do so without the hassle of organizing your own visits. It’s a full-day experience that mixes beautiful landscape views, five different wineries, and a tasty lunch—all wrapped into about six hours. If you’re after an easy, guided way to sample some of the best wines and soak in the scenery, this is worth considering.

What really sets this tour apart are two things: first, the diverse selection of wineries, each with its unique vibe and offerings; second, the guide’s friendly, knowledgeable demeanor that makes the day both informative and fun. On the flip side, a possible consideration is the cost, which is around $162 per person. While that covers most tastings and a hearty lunch, you’ll want to factor in the optional lunch expense and gratuities.

This tour is particularly well-suited for travelers who want a stress-free way to enjoy the region’s wine culture, learn a bit about winemaking, and take in some spectacular views. It’s a good pick for couples, groups of friends, or anyone curious about the Okanagan’s famed wineries without the need to drive or plan each stop individually.

Key Points

• Comfort and Convenience: Hotel pickup, air-conditioned vehicle, and guided tours make for a relaxed experience.
• Variety of Wineries: Visiting five different locations, each with its specialty and charm.
• Scenic Beauty: Expect breathtaking lake and mountain views, especially at Bench 1775.
• Inclusive Tastings: All tasting fees are included—no surprises there.
• Lunch Included: A reservation at a winery bistro offers a tasty break, though lunch cost is extra.
• Small Group: With a maximum of 14 travelers, it’s intimate enough for personal attention and easy mingling.

An In-Depth Look at the Naramata Bench 5 Winery Tour

When considering a winery tour, the experience hinges on a few key elements: the stops, the guides, the scenery, and the overall value. This tour checks most of those boxes, especially if you’re after a blend of wine, landscape, and a touch of education.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Ruby Blues Winery
We start our day at Ruby Blues, a lively, inviting space with wines that are designed to be enjoyed socially. The 45-minute tasting includes an admission ticket, giving you a chance to meet the friendly staff and sample a variety of wines. Guests often appreciate the cheerful atmosphere and approachable wines, perfect for those new to wine tasting or looking for something fun and relaxed.

Stop 2: Bench 1775 Winery
Next, we head to Bench 1775, which is famous for its stunning mountain and lake views. The 45-minute stop includes a tasting of their refined wines, many of which have received recognition across Canada. The scenery here is a true highlight, making it an ideal spot for photos or just soaking in the natural beauty while sampling wines that have garnered praise.

Stop 3: Lake Breeze Vineyards Tasting Room
This is one of the longer stops at 1.5 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy both the wines and the setting. Lake Breeze offers views overlooking Okanagan Lake and the Naramata Bench, plus a farm-to-table patio featuring local food. Guests often rave about the food options, which feel both fresh and thoughtfully curated, complementing their wines beautifully.

Stop 4: Wesbert Winery
Wesbert emphasizes minimal intervention in their winemaking, letting the fruit and terroir shine through. The 45-minute visit offers a more intimate tasting experience, often described as authentic and straightforward. Guests appreciate the chance to understand the philosophy behind the wines and to taste something a bit different.

Stop 5: Three Sisters Winery
Finally, you’ll visit Three Sisters, where a 45-minute tasting includes a flight of five wines with access to the vineyards and patio. Here, you’ll have the chance to purchase wines directly from the winery, and the friendly vibe makes it a great way to wrap up the day.

What You Can Expect from the Experience

The guided nature of the tour means you won’t have to worry about navigating or planning—your guide takes care of the logistics, giving you time to enjoy each stop. The vehicle, which is air-conditioned, ensures comfort, especially on warm days. Bottled water is provided, and all tasting fees are included, removing the worry about hidden costs.

Guests consistently praise the guides, especially for their friendliness and knowledge. One reviewer said, “Don our guide was very informative and great fun,” highlighting how guides add to the overall enjoyment. Another noted, “Vicky was our tour guide and was amazing and a lot of fun,” emphasizing how a personable guide can elevate the experience.

The Value of the Price Point

At around $162.57 per person, this tour offers a fair balance of included features—tastings, transportation, and a stop for lunch. While the actual lunch cost is extra, the reservation at a winery bistro provides a quality meal in a lovely setting. The small group size ensures personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere, which is often what makes guided tours stand out.

However, it’s good to note that gratuities aren’t included, which is pretty standard for tours but worth considering if you’re pleased with your guide’s service. Also, the fact that the tour lasts approximately six hours makes this a full, satisfying day, especially if you’re keen on wine but don’t want to spend all day doing it solo.

The Real Experiences from Past Guests

Based on reviews, the tour consistently hits the right notes. Guests have described it as “a fabulous experience,” with guides being “amazing and a lot of fun.” Many highlight the friendly wineries, the stunning views, and the opportunity to taste a wide range of wines—many of which are described as “lovely” and “delicious.”

Some reviewers mention that the stops weren’t exactly as per the initial itinerary but still found the wineries visited to be friendly and enjoyable. This suggests a flexible, accommodating approach from the guides, which can be a real plus.

Considering the Downside

While the tour is generally praised, a few might find the price somewhat on the higher side, especially when factoring in lunch costs and gratuities. Also, since the tasting stops are predetermined, you might not get access to every winery listed on the original itinerary if changes occur, but according to reviews, all visited wineries are welcoming and of high quality.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This is a solid choice if you want a hassle-free way to experience the Naramata Bench wine region without planning every stop yourself. It’s especially good for those who value guided insights, beautiful scenery, and a variety of wines. It suits couples, small groups, and wine lovers who appreciate good conversations and a comfortable, intimate setting.

If you’re looking for a relaxed day with friends or a partner, don’t mind a group environment, and want to learn about local wines with the added bonus of stunning views, this tour ticks many boxes.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for all ages? While most travelers can participate, this is primarily geared toward adults interested in wine tasting. It’s not specifically designed for children or families.

How long is the tour? It lasts approximately six hours, including visits, tasting, and lunch.

What’s included in the price? The fee covers tastings at five wineries, bottled water, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, and a guided experience. Lunch is at a separate cost.

Can I cancel the tour? Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time, with a full refund.

Are hotel pickups guaranteed? Yes, pickup and drop-off at your hotel or accommodation are included.

Is the group small? Yes, a maximum of 14 travelers ensures a more personal and relaxed atmosphere.

Do I need to worry about transportation? No, the tour provides transportation, so no need to worry about driving after tasting wines.

What about gratuities? Gratuities are not included, so if you’re happy with the guide’s service, tipping is appreciated.

What should I bring? Comfortable shoes, some cash or card for optional purchases, and a sense of curiosity about local wines.

Final Thoughts

The Naramata Bench 5 Winery Tour offers a well-rounded, enjoyable way to discover the region’s wines without the stress of organizing your own visits. It’s especially suitable for those who value comfort, scenic beauty, and good company. The guided format, combined with the stunning views and quality wineries, creates a memorable day that balances education and relaxation.

While it’s not the cheapest option out there, the inclusion of tastings and a lovely lunch, along with the personalized attention from guides, makes it a worthwhile choice for many. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or simply looking to enjoy a day in beautiful surroundings, this tour delivers a lot of what makes the Okanagan special.

If you prefer a more flexible or budget-friendly experience, you might want to explore other options, but for a guided, scenic, and tasty outing, this tour hits many of the right notes. Just be ready for a fun, wine-filled day with some fantastic views and great company.