Naramata Full Day Lunch Wine Tour- Incl. Tasting Fees & Gratuity!

The Naramata Full Day Lunch Wine Tour by Sip Happens Wine Tours offers an engaging way to experience the best of British Columbia’s wine country. Priced at $144.76 per person, this tour lasts around 6 hours and includes tasting fees, bottled water, and gratuity. It departs from Penticton with door-to-door pickup, making logistics simple and convenient. With a rating of 5.0 based on 22 reviews and recommended by 100% of participants, this tour clearly appeals to those eager to sample award-winning wines while enjoying breathtaking scenery.

This experience is ideal for wine enthusiasts and curious travelers looking for a comprehensive day in the Okanagan Valley. The tour visits 5 boutique wineries, where up to 24 wines are tasted, along with a scenic lunch stop (lunch not included). While the trip offers excellent value with included tasting fees and gratuity, it’s important to note that wine purchases are extra and lunch costs are payable directly at the winery restaurant.

Key Points

• Six-hour guided wine tour starting at 10:30 am in Penticton
• Visits five boutique wineries with up to 24 tastings
• Includes tasting fees, bottled water, and gratuity
• Door-to-door pickup and drop-off for convenience
• Lunch at winery restaurants is available but not included, payable separately
• Maximum of 14 guests ensures personalized attention

Meet the Guides and their Engaging Style

Herb Dixon and James, two of the guides praised in reviews, bring both knowledge and humor to the experience. Guests often highlight their friendly, helpful, and entertaining personalities, making the day more enjoyable. Herb is described as a top-notch host, educator, and entertainer, while James is appreciated for his humor and historical insights. Their approach ensures the tour feels personalized and lively, even with a small group of up to 14 travelers.

Exploring the Wineries: Unique Stops on the Naramata Bench

This tour features eight noteworthy winery stops, each offering something special:

MOCOJO Winery

Starting the day, MOCOJO Winery impresses with its Gewurztraminer, Viognier, Marechal Foch, and Malbec. It opened in June 2014 and has quickly earned a reputation for its distinctive wines. The visit lasts 30 minutes, with admission included. The winery’s modern approach pairs well with the scenic surroundings.

Moraine Winery

Perched above Okanagan Lake, Moraine Winery provides stunning views from its unique shelf-like location. A family-owned operation, it’s located just minutes from Penticton. The 30-minute stop allows for tasting and exploration in a quaint and scenic setting.

Three Sisters Winery

This family-run winery was dreamed up by Rebecca and her husband Matt, along with her parents. It’s known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and carefully crafted wines. The visit is 30 minutes, and the winery’s charm makes it a highlight of the day.

Lang Vineyards

With 33 years of winemaking, Lang Vineyards stands out as one of the oldest family estate wineries on the Naramata Bench. The 30-minute stop offers a chance to taste classic wines while soaking in views that reflect decades of tradition.

Ruby Blues Winery

Ruby Blues distinguishes itself as the “coolest boutique winery” on the bench, producing wines from Okanagan-grown grapes. Its 30-minute visit emphasizes small-batch production and local variety.

Deep Roots Winery

Deep Roots is a family-run operation with a history of over a century of farming. The 30-minute tasting allows visitors to explore locally produced wines in a setting that echoes the region’s agricultural roots.

Serendipity Winery

Founded in 2005, Serendipity Winery was inspired by culinary passion and orchard surroundings. Its 30-minute stop offers an intimate look at the orchard-based origin stories and fruit-forward wines.

Wesbert Winery

Wesbert Winery, launched in 2019 by the Joubert family from South Africa, is known for its warm hospitality and diverse grape varieties. The 30-minute stop highlights the family’s international influence and varietal variety.

Lake Breeze Winery

Lake Breeze combines breathtaking views with top-tier winemaking. Its 30-minute tasting spot offers a chance to enjoy both spectacular scenery and wine from grapes grown on the bluffs.

Lake Breeze Patio Restaurant & Naramata Inn

While the 45-minute stops at their restaurants are not included in the price, they provide farm-to-table dining experiences with local ingredients. These stops are perfect for savoring lunch or an afternoon snack amid beautiful surroundings.

The Scenic Lunch Experience

Lunch at one of the winery restaurants is optional and not included in the tour price. Guests can enjoy a delicious meal while taking in gorgeous vineyard views. The lunch cost is payable directly to the restaurant, giving flexibility to choose a menu that suits your tastes. This allows for a personalized dining experience and a chance to relax during the day.

Logistics and Convenience

Pickup is provided door-to-door in the Penticton area, removing the stress of navigation. The tour begins at 10:30 am, with the entire six hours designed for leisurely exploration. A mobile ticket and air-conditioned vehicle make for a comfortable journey. The small group size, capped at 14 guests, ensures personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere.

The Included and Excluded Items

The tour fee covers tasting fees at all stops, bottled water, a knowledgeable wine concierge, and gratuity (15%). Wine purchases and lunch are not included and are payable separately. GST is also extra. This transparent pricing keeps expectations clear and allows guests to budget accordingly for additional wines or meals.

Feedback from Past Participants

Multiple reviews praise the knowledgeability and friendliness of the guides, especially Herb and James, who are described as entertaining, helpful, and organized. The beautiful scenery, variety of wineries, and delicious wines consistently earn high marks, with 10/10 ratings and glowing recommendations. Many mention the stress-free nature of the tour, thanks to efficient planning and attentive hosts.

Ideal Audience for the Tour

This tour is perfect for wine enthusiasts wanting a comprehensive experience, small groups seeking personalized attention, and visitors interested in stunning scenery and boutique wineries. The leisurely pace and inclusive tasting fees make it suitable for all levels of wine knowledge. However, guests should be prepared for walking at stops and enjoying a variety of wines.

Final Thoughts on the Naramata Full Day Lunch Wine Tour

The Naramata Bench Wine Trail Tour by Sip Happens provides a balanced mix of scenic beauty, boutique wineries, and educational wine tastings. The small-group format, combined with highly praised guides, ensures a memorable and engaging day. While lunch and wine purchases are extra, the all-inclusive tasting experience and convenient logistics make this tour well worth the price for those wanting to explore British Columbia’s renowned wine region comfortably and thoroughly.

This tour fits those who value personalized service, beautiful vineyard vistas, and a curated selection of BC wines in a relaxed setting. It’s an excellent choice for first-time visitors or seasoned wine lovers alike, looking to indulge in the best of the Okanagan Valley.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for those with mobility issues?
This tour involves visiting multiple wineries, some of which have uneven terrain. While the information does not specify accessibility details, guests with mobility concerns should inquire directly with Sip Happens.

Can I customize the lunch stop?
Lunch is not included in the tour price and is payable directly at the winery restaurant. Guests have the flexibility to choose whether to dine on-site, and the stops are typically scenic and relaxing.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour is limited to 14 travelers, offering a more intimate experience and personalized attention from guides.

Are wine purchases included in the tour?
No, wine purchases are extra and paid for separately at each winery. The tour fee covers tasting fees and gratuities.

What makes this tour stand out from others in the region?
The small group size, highly praised guides, and carefully curated stops along the Naramata Bench set this experience apart, providing both delicious wine and breathtaking scenery with a focus on personalized service.