We just returned from an awesome summer vacation and I can’t wait to go back again. It was our first time visiting the enchanting Naramata Wine Bench which has something to offer everyone, from singles to couples to families. I’d highly recommend it for anyone! For us this was the perfect family vacation with our adult children and dog in tow, it provided an awesome venue for a peaceful, restful and totally enjoyable vacation. It was perfect; Janet I had the first few days to ourselves, then the kids came out and we had 3 days as a family, then my cousin and her boyfriend joined us for the last few days and it was a party.
Our trip started on a Saturday morning with a pit stop to McDonald’s for coffees and Egg McMuffins, hitting HWY 21 we headed out to Bragg Creek, past Canmore, Banff and turning just before Lake Louise to Field, BC where we stopped for a break to walk the dog. Then continuing on we took a break in Revelstoke, BC for another walk, washroom and coffee break. Although Revelstoke is a really pretty town, the roadside pull off was exceptionally busy and I couldn’t get out of there quick enough, thinking if we’ll be fighting these crowds throughout the Okanagan I wasn’t exactly pumped about vacay!
On the road again, next stop- Dutchman Dairy. A must do pitstop on the way through Sicamous, BC for their famed ice cream. Again, this roadside stop was inundated with summer vacationers. A major thorough fare for those heading out to the Shuswap, Okanagan or west coast, it was packed with lineups around the storefront so we both decided we really didn’t need an ice cream that bad. We’d try again on the way home and hope it was a little quieter.
It was a long day of driving, but we finally arrived in Penticton and drove up the hill into the Naramata Bench passing winery after winery and became excited about the Oenophilia possibilities right out our front door. We pulled up to our Airbnb home for the week and were super happy with the location, views and property. It was a lovely home with three bedrooms, sunroom and 3 different decks to take in the gorgeous views of Lake Okanagan down the hill. Our favorite thing was to get up in the morning, grab a coffee and head outside to a lovely sitting area with 4 Adirondack chairs perfectly situated to take in the views. It was glorious and the first few days we mostly enjoyed just hanging out on the property, sunning, relaxing and decompressing. We visited a few wineries, took the dog for walks, went down to the beach and just enjoyed the beautiful scenery. Doesn’t take a lot to make us happy! Then the kids arrived, and we got busy being tourists.
We hiked the amazing KVR Trail (Kettle Valley Rail Trail) one afternoon with views that took our breath away and returned another day to venture further by bike. An entrance to the trail head was just up the road from our Airbnb which provided some convenient and fulfilling recreational opportunities. I took the dog for walks several times and couldn’t get enough. The Kettle Valley Rail Trail and joining trails are the longest rail network in British Columbia extending from Hope to Castlegar. Once a working railroad it was decommissioned and now offers an extensive, 650km network of recreational trails for hikers, bikers and horse backing. We saw many bikers pass by, kitted out with gear to make overnight trips. The trail offers spectacular scenery and the thrills of abandoned train tunnels and trestle bridges with walks for every level of physical ability.
With our kids/dog sitters now moved out this vacation was all about the dog as we had to bring him along. We visited several dog friendly beaches and played like kids diving off the dock, throwing a frisbee, paddle ball or volleyball. We had a blast one afternoon taking Obi (our dog) on his first dog friendly winery tours. We got very happy one afternoon that ended at La Joie Winery where they charge $15 per person for the tastings, one of the most expensive in Naramata but they have some excellent, French style wines that you can purchase putting your tasting fee towards a bottle. So, we bought 4 and drank 2 over lunch (they were half litre bottles). Then we ventured out back to their picnic area which is stunning and where you can either purchase an array of baguettes and charcuterie from the winery or bring your own as we did. We spent a few hours here enjoying the scenery elevated by our glow-ons and sparking a lot of laughter and joy. The four of us were pretty blissed out but I had to eventually sober up to drive everyone home.
That evening the kids took us out for dinner in Penticton at a restaurant called The Cellar. It’s a Greek style restaurant, family owned and run, and I’d have to say it’s a definite must when visiting the area. The food was spectacular, all four of us were thrilled and I’m pretty picking. Both Janet and I are fairly good cooks and I’m often disappointed when spending the money to dine out, complaining that I could have made better myself… but this food was exceptional and great service!
A few days later my cousin and her boyfriend joined us for two nights, arriving late on a Thursday we had dinner ready for their arrival and enjoyed a nice meal with local vino and great company. We sat out on the patio sipping the night away, laughing and gazing up at the spectacular dark sky. On the Friday we left the kids to chill with the dog back at the cottage and the four of us headed out on a mission and list of wineries we wanted to try.
We toured six until we had enough (5 X 1-ounce tastings at each winery so 30 oz each) and ended up at Lake Breeze for a much-needed late lunch. Although one of the most commercial its grounds and buildings are stunning with a spectacular outdoor restaurant with great food and of course, more wine! While we were at lunch the kids texted us with photos of a momma bear and three cubs that sauntered through our back yard. Luckily the dog and kids were inside when they traveled through and provided a bit of excitement.
Later that evening the six of us headed out for a reservation at the Hillside Winery & Bistro for a Wine pairing dinner. The restaurant and grounds are beautiful, the atmosphere and scenery excellent, the service was good, the company was exceptional… the food and wine pairing…just okay. I’d have to say this was one where I’d profess I could do better. At $70 per person x6 we could have had a steak and lobster feast with gallons of wine back home. The starter was charcuterie, which was okay, but I’d have to say a gourmet cop out. I can go to the Italian store anytime and purchase a mouthwatering array. It was just okay, and I do love a good charcuterie but wasn’t impressed with the choices. Then there was a pate (another chef cop out) with warm olives that no one ate. The main was not great although I loved the fresh, roasted beets with walnuts. The desert was super disappointing: a small tray with a macaroon, small chocolates and jelly for two to share… I do like a sweet following a nice dinner but as with the rest it left me wanting. Maybe their other food was a better choice but we really wanted to experience a paired dinner.
Having fully indulged in the local foods and wines over a week, taking in all the amazing scenery, feeling fully relaxed and blissed out it was time to clean up, pack up and head home. Tearfully we said good-bye to the kids as this wasn’t a trip where we would all be heading home together. Our daughter lives in Kamloops with her boyfriend and our son just moved to Kelowna the week before. After a fab week together, we had to go our separate ways, Janet and I had to except the fact that we’ve entered a new phase in our lives as empty nesters, just us and the dog driving off into the sunset! But we did get our ice cream at Dutchman’s on the way home.
Here is a link to the rest of our photos
No Comments