The two main wine-producing areas near Penticton are north along the east slopes of Okanagan Lake near the community of Naramata, and north along the west lake slopes near Summerland. From Penticton, follow Upper Bench Road, which turns into Naramata Road and leads to Naramata, 14km (8 3/4 miles) north and one of the first wine-growing regions in British Columbia.
Lang Vineyard, 2493 Gammon Rd. (tel. 250/496-5987; www.langvineyards.com), was one of the first small wineries in the province. It's open for tastings and sales daily from May to November 15.
Hillside Estate, 1350 Naramata Rd. (tel. 250/493-6274; www.hillsideestate.com), is open daily (call ahead in midwinter). From Easter weekend until the Okanagan Wine Festival, it operates the Barrel Room Bistro, a patio restaurant at the winery, open for lunch daily, and dinner from late May on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings only.
Lake Breeze Vineyards, 930 Sammet Rd. (tel. 250/496-5659; www.lakebreezewinery.ca), opens its tasting room from May 1 to October 15 daily from 10am to 5pm. Its patio restaurant Mahdina's is open for lunch from May 1 to September 30.
North of Penticton along Highway 97 is another wine-producing area. Sumac Ridge Estate Winery, 17403 Hwy. 97 (tel. 250/494-0451; www.sumacridge.com), offers tours daily from May to mid-October. Besides operating a shop and tasting room open daily year-round, the winery runs the fine Cellar Door Bistro.
Located 43km (27 miles) north of Penticton, the Hainle Vineyards Estate Winery, 5355 Trepanier Bench Rd. (tel. 250/767-2525; www.hainle.com), was the first Okanagan winery to produce ice wine. The wine shop is open daily for tasting Amphora, the winery's bistro, is open daily for lunch and dinner.
