Naramata Private Wine Tour – Full Day

Exploring the Naramata Private Wine Tour — Is It Worth It?

If you’re considering a day immersed in some of Canada’s best wine country, the Naramata Private Wine Tour offers a solid option. While I haven’t done this exact tour myself, I’ve read enough reviews and details to give you a good sense of whether it’s worth your time and money.

What really catches our eye? First, the personalized attention that a private tour promises, allowing for a more relaxed and tailored experience. Second, the inclusion of tasting fees at five top wineries—no extra hidden costs—plus the stunning scenery of the Naramata Bench.

On the flip side, something to keep in mind is that transportation outside the specified zones can add to your costs, and the tour’s duration and pace might not suit those looking for a longer, more leisurely day.

This tour is ideal for wine lovers who want a focused, chauffeured day with good food, great views, and the chance to learn without feeling rushed. It’s also a good pick if you’re traveling with friends or a partner and want to avoid the hassle of driving.

Key Points

• Private and Personalized: Your group gets exclusive attention, making the experience feel special.
• All Inclusive of Tasting Fees: No surprise charges at the wineries—just focus on tasting and enjoying.
• Flexible Itinerary: Follow the set plan or choose your favorite wineries for a customized experience.
• Proven Quality: Multiple reviews highlight knowledgeable guides and great wines.
• Stunning Scenery: Wineries are located in picturesque spots with views of Okanagan Lake.
• Good Value for the Experience: At around $288 per person for five hours, it’s a worthwhile splurge for wine enthusiasts.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You Can Expect

Stop 1: Poplar Grove Winery

Your day kicks off with a fully guided tasting of five signature wines at Poplar Grove. This winery is renowned, and the tasting lasts around 30 minutes. The fact that the admission is included is handy, so you can focus on the wines rather than the bill. Expect a warm, welcoming environment with knowledgeable staff guiding you through their best selections.

From reviews, we know guests appreciate the opportunity to sample a variety of wines right at the start, setting a high bar for the rest of the day. Plus, with such a well-regarded winery, the quality of the wines is likely to impress even seasoned sippers.

Stop 2: Hillside Winery

Next, you’ll visit Hillside Winery for a portfolio tasting where the focus is on their latest releases. This part lasts about 45 minutes, giving you enough time to really appreciate the nuances of each wine. The guided tasting helps you understand what makes these wines special, and the intimate setting makes it easy to ask questions.

Guests have enjoyed the chance to taste new wines here, and the guided approach means you’ll get some insight into the winery’s ongoing style and focus. It’s a nice way to see what the newer offerings are all about, especially if you enjoy staying current with local wine trends.

Stop 3: Deep Roots Winery

The third stop is a private tasting at Deep Roots Winery. This is often highlighted as a truly personalized experience, with enough time (about 45 minutes) to explore their wines in depth. Many reviewers appreciate the more relaxed, boutique feel, which often translates into a more engaging tasting.

This spot is perfect if you’re interested in smaller-scale wineries that prioritize quality over quantity, and the private tasting means fewer crowds and more attention from the staff.

Stop 4: Nichol Winery and Vineyard

A quick but meaningful stop, Nichol Winery is among the earliest wineries on the Naramata Bench. Their focus on grape quality and élevage (the aging process) makes their wines particularly interesting for those who appreciate craftsmanship.

The visit here is brief—around 10 minutes—but it’s enough to get a sense of their approach and taste some of their smaller-batch wines. Guests often comment on the dedication to quality and the scenic vineyard setting, which offers excellent photo ops.

Stop 5: Laughing Stock Vineyards

Your last tasting is at Laughing Stock, a boutique winery that offers premium, seated tastings. This cozy, intimate environment allows for a more personalized experience, and the wines here are often limited production or exclusive to the winery. Many guests value this stop for its special access to limited wines, making it a memorable finale.

The 45-minute tasting gives you time to savor wines you might not find anywhere else, plus enjoy some conversation with the staff. It’s a fitting end for a day focused on quality and exclusivity.

What’s Included and What to Expect

Included in the price ($288.36 per person) are the tasting fees at all five wineries, bottled water (both chilled and sparkling), and transportation within the designated zone. Lunch is not included but can be reserved separately, giving you flexibility to choose something that suits your taste and schedule.

If you’re coming from outside the Penticton & Summerland zone, there’s an additional surcharge, so be prepared for that if your accommodation isn’t nearby.

Many reviews highlight the benefit of having a dedicated guide—Alan, in particular, seems to be a hit—who can adjust the itinerary if needed, and provides a wealth of knowledge about both wine and local spots. This personalized approach is what we love about this tour from more generic group experiences.

Transport & Timing

The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, which balances a good amount of wine tasting without becoming overwhelming. Pickup is available, and the small-group, private setting ensures that everyone gets personalized attention. The tour’s flexibility means that if you have particular wine preferences, these can often be accommodated.

Pricing & Value

At about $288 per person, this tour offers good value considering the five winery visits, tasting fees, and private transportation. The reviews show that guests feel they got a lot of value—many mention the knowledgeable guides, the quality of the wines, and the comfortable pace of the tour.

It’s worth noting that the tour is most often booked 61 days in advance, which suggests it’s popular among serious wine lovers or those planning a trip around peak season.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you love discovering new wines, enjoy stunning vineyard scenery, and prefer a more private, relaxed experience, this tour ticks a lot of boxes. It’s especially suited for small groups or couples who want to avoid the chaos of larger tours and appreciate the chance for personalized attention.

Wine novices will benefit from the guided tastings, which help explain what they’re drinking, while seasoned enthusiasts will enjoy the exclusive access to limited wines and boutique wineries. The inclusion of tasting fees makes it easier to budget, and the dedicated guide ensures a smooth, engaging day.

However, if you’re after a longer, more leisurely exploration of the entire Okanagan Valley or want to visit a wider variety of wineries, this might feel a little short or focused. Also, be aware of the potential extra costs if you’re outside the transportation zone.

In summary, this private tour offers a well-balanced mix of quality, convenience, and scenery — perfect for a memorable day in one of Canada’s top wine regions.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
While the tour focuses on wine tastings, lunch arrangements are made separately, so you can likely coordinate specific dietary needs directly with the provider.

Can I customize the wineries I visit?
Yes, the itinerary offers the flexibility to choose your preferred wineries, making the experience more tailored to your tastes.

How long is the tour?
The total duration is about 5 hours, which includes visits to five wineries and tasting sessions.

What’s included in the price?
All tasting fees at the wineries are included, along with bottled water and transportation within the designated zone.

Are the tours suitable for non-drinkers or those tasting less?
Yes, you can enjoy the scenery, learn about wine, or participate in the tasting without pressure; the guide can help tailor your experience.

Is transportation provided from Kelowna or other nearby towns?
Pickup is offered within Penticton & Summerland zones. Outside these, an additional surcharge applies.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made around 61 days ahead, so early planning is recommended, especially during peak season.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refundable.

If you’re looking for a well-organized, intimate taste of Naramata’s wines, this private tour seems like a very reliable and enjoyable choice. Just remember to arrive ready to taste, learn, and soak in the scenery—this is a trip designed for those who truly love good wine and good company.