Golden Mile Hot Air Balloon ( Photo credit : Sebastien Gabriel )
The Naramata Bench , central to Lake Okanogan ’ s eastern shore , provides a central hub from which to explore the region . Pioneered in part by Lang Vineyards in 1990 , there are now 30 wineries on the bench alone that invite tasters . Of course , summer provides prime time to visit with tasting rooms and patios open and overlooking the lake — but the shoulder times of spring and fall reward travelers with a more tailored experience . No matter when , that hospitality comes out in spades for enthusiastic tasters .
Penticton
Dry Gewurztraminer $ C30 .
Phobia $ C35 .
With nothing to be scared of , the Phobia red blends Merlot and Syrah together in a structured , spicy red worthy of a few cellar years . The Dry Gewurz will teleport your taste back to the vineyards of Northeast France with good intensity of lychee and yellow roses .
Naramata Bench
Riesling Ice Wine $ C50 ./ 375ml
Brilliant . Crisp . Forward acids balance the incredible orange blossom , mango sweetness . Intense , the current release is 2011 and built for 20 more years , to experience at least once in a lifetime .
Cabernet Franc 2017 $ C39.04
Mild bell pepper and built like a cousin to Right Bank Bordeaux . Ripe . Balanced with balsam notes from the vineyard .
38 ART CHOWDER MAGAZINE