Guide to Touring & Tasting Summerland & Naramata

If you love wine and food, the Okanagan can feel like a choose-your-own-adventure with a lot of tabs open and too many “musts.” Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa makes it simpler: stay in one lakeside home base and explore two distinct wine regions - Summerland’s Bottleneck Drive and the Naramata Bench without turning your weekend into a logistics project.

Quick orientation:

• Resort → Bottleneck Drive wineries: ~5 minutes
• Resort → Naramata Bench: ~30 minutes

Day 1: Summerland’s Bottleneck Drive 

Located just five minutes from the resort, Bottleneck Drive is defined by intimate, owner-operated estates. This isn’t a straight line; it’s a winding road through rolling hills and hidden orchards that feels more "country" and peaceful than the busy highway hubs nearby.

Bottleneck Drive is known for intimate, often family-run tasting rooms where conversations feel personal and the stories are close to the land.

Plan the day like this:

• Winery Visits: 2–3 wineries + 1 cidery or distillery
• Time per stop: 30 - 45 minutes
• Lunch: Dirty Laundry Vineyard
  

Suggested stops:

• Haywire Winery
  A must for the minimalist. They lead the "pure wine" movement, using concrete eggs for fermentation. Their bright tasting lounge feels like a private gallery experience.
  
• Dirty Laundry Vineyard
  Famous for a sprawling, vine-covered patio and a lively history. It’s the ideal spot for a mid-day pause with artisanal pizza and a glass of "Hush" Rosé.
  
• Lightning Rock Winery
  The massive granite rock, apparently struck by lightning, inspired the winemakers to create "electric" wines that harmonize with nature. When you hear a story like that directly from the people who live it, the wine tastes different. It becomes a memory of a place, not just a drink. Ask them about it when you visit.
  
• Nomad Cider and/or Controlled Entropy Distilling
  The perfect "palate cleansers." Whether it’s traditional pear cider or a gin cocktail, these stops highlight the true diversity of Summerland’s terroir.
  

Pro-Tips: 

Tip #1 Look for the Winemakers Behind the Bar. 
The most rewarding part of touring Summerland is the accessibility. Because many of the tasting rooms here are small and family-run, the experience is incredibly personal. It is very common to walk into an estate and find the owners or winemakers themselves behind the bar.

Tip #2: Don't just taste; ask questions. 
Every winery around here has a story deeply rooted in the land, and these winemakers love to connect and share them with guests who show an interest. It is well worth your time to slow down and hear the "why" behind what’s in your glass.

Day 2: Naramata Bench 

If Summerland is your peaceful home base, the Naramata Bench is the grand stage. Located a scenic 30-minute drive from the resort, this area is a premier sub-appellation famous for its high-elevation estates and prestigious Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Plan the day like this:

• Reservations: Yes, book ahead (especially weekends and peak season).
• Winery visits: 2–3 if you’re doing seated tastings
• Time per stop: 30-45 minutes
• Drive strategy: group wineries by area to avoid backtracking
• Lunch: The Restaurant at Poplar Grove or Serendipity Winery Bistro
  

Suggested stops:

• Poplar Grove Winery
  This is a premier choice for a sophisticated, seated tasting. The architecture is as structured as their signature Cabernet Franc, and the patio offers a view that captures the entire southern sweep of the lake.
  

• Hillside Winery
  Take a moment to appreciate the unique timber-frame architecture. It’s a landmark for a reason. In the early days of the Okanagan wine scene, small farmers weren't actually allowed to sell wine directly to the public.

  Here is why this matters: Ask the team about the "Farm Gate" movement. Hillside was one of the original advocates that fought to change BC law in 1990 so that small, farm-based wineries could finally sell their own vintages. They helped to birth the industry as we know it today. Knowing that the person pouring your glass is standing in a building that fought for the right to exist makes that first sip feel like a celebration of BC’s wine heritage.
  

• Modesta Winery
  Modesta blends sleek design with soulful family roots. For the ultimate escape, inquire about booking a 'MODPOD' (a private tasting sanctuary tucked directly in the vines) and enjoy estate-grown wines at the Bench's quietest, most scenic edge.
   
• Abandoned Rail Brewing Co.
  For the group that needs a break from the vine, this brewery is a must. It’s located directly on the Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) trail, making it the best spot for a well-crafted lager in a sun-drenched beer garden.
  

Pro-Tips: 

Tip #1: Make a reservation. Because Naramata is a world-class destination, the tasting rooms here are often very busy and highly curated. 

Tip #2:  Go Deeper than the Wine:  To move past the standard tourist experience and find a real connection, ask your server about the Glacial Silts. The Bench is essentially a massive, ancient lakebed; a geological miracle that allows grapes to develop the intense, complex flavors that put this region on the map.

While the daytime is about the vibrant energy of the vineyards, the evening is where the true restoration begins. Transitioning properly from the tasting room to the resort ensures the "tasting" experience settles into a lasting memory.

After the sun dips behind the mountains, the pace shifts from exploration to pure relaxation.
 

A Simple Evening Flow or End of Day Tradition

• Quick town stop: Before heading back to the Resort, take a short drive into downtown Summerland to visit Maple Roch for a taste of their famous Okanagan maple syrups and vast array of maple sweets.  They are open until 5 pm daily.  With sweets in hand, enjoy a low-key evening stroll through town.
• Hot Tub Reset: Slip into the hot tub for a relaxing soak under the stars.
• Lakeside Dining: Walk steps from your suite to Shaughnessy’s Cove for locally sourced fare or a crafted cocktail, allowing the entire group to relax without the need for a designated driver.
• The Dock Ritual: Take a final stroll down to the private resort dock as the sun begins to set. On your way back to the suite, stop by the lobby to add a few pieces to the communal puzzle. Many of our guests make this a social occasion, while others like to plug away quietly.
• The Result: Watching the lake turn glassy and gold, reflecting the sunset from the bluffs behind the resort, is the local tradition that marks the end of a successful Okanagan getaway.

While the vineyards provide the wine, Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa provides the space for the stories that follow. If you ask our frequent guests why they return, they won't point to a map or a specific vintage; they’ll point to the late-night kitchen table.

There is a specific kind of magic that happens an hour after dinner; when the shoes are off, a second bottle of Naramata Pinot is open, and the conversation finally moves past the surface. This is the stage for the belly-aching laughter and "remember when" stories that only happen with the people who know your whole history.
 

Why book a One-Bedroom or Two-Bedroom Suite for your Wine Weekend?

Choosing a spacious one, two, or three-bedroom suite at Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa is a strategic move to protect the social momentum of the weekend. Whether you are a couple seeking a private retreat or friends who have shared decades of history, the suite is where the "real" trip happens.

• The Large Common Areas: A full kitchen and large dining table provide the infrastructure for connection. It’s a private space to settle in for the night without the noise of a crowded hotel bar.
  
• The Unhurried Hour: The most significant moments often occur long after the wineries close. This is the stage for the belly-aching laughter and "remember when" stories shared over a final bottle discovered that afternoon.
  
• The Design of Rest: The layout balances "together time" with a quiet retreat. Separate, private bedrooms ensure everyone gets the restorative sleep needed to keep the energy high for another day of exploring.

In the Okanagan, anyone can find a tasting room, but only a few find the space where the wine finally turns into a legacy.

The Redefined Date Night

This is for the couple that wants to skip the "where should we eat?" debate. It pairs your suite with a chef prepared meal to heat up in your suite from Summerland's Flambé at Home, delivered straight to your fridge. It’s perfect because you can spend the day self-driving the Naramata Bench, come back, park the car, and unwind as you heat up your delicious dinner in your robe. No designated driver, no stress.

The Nourish & Nurture iKhaya Spa Wellness Package

This is the ultimate choice for any group or a couple needing a hard relaxation reset. It bundles your accommodations with a credit for iKhaya Day Spa. Touring wineries is fun, but it can be tiring; this package makes sure the "recovery" part of your trip is already paid for and on the calendar.

Pro-Tip on Booking: Make sure you book your spa treatments as soon as you reserve your suite. iKhaya is a local favourite, and treatment time slots fill up fast.

Q: Do we need to book wine tastings in advance?
A: Yes. Especially on the Naramata Bench or any summer weekend. While you might get lucky with a walk-in on Bottleneck Drive, booking ahead is the only way to guarantee a seat.

Q: Where is the best home base for touring both regions?
A: Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa is your best bet for a strategic hub. You are five minutes from the intimate estates of Bottleneck Drive and 30 minutes from the prestigious Naramata Bench. It lets you experience two very different wine cultures from one spot.

Q: Is the resort and the surrounding area accessible for those with limited mobility?
A: Yes. The resort is fully accessible, and the resort boardwalk is flat and leads to a paved path along the lakeshore. It's the perfect spot for a gentle morning stroll. Most modern tasting rooms in the Okanagan are designed with accessibility in mind, though we suggest calling smaller, historic estates in advance to confirm ramp access.

Q: Is it easy to do a self-drive tour?
A: Absolutely. Summerland and Naramata are both peaceful and easy to navigate. Most of the "Must-Visit" stops on Bottleneck Drive are only 4 to 10 minutes away from the resort lobby. If you've never driven the winding road up to the top of Bottleneck Drive, you're sure in for a treat. And we don't just mean ice cream at Summerland Sweets!

Q: Do you have recommendations for wine tour operators?
A: Yes, and we suggest choosing one that picks you up right from the resort lobby to keep your day stress-free. Farm to Glass Wine Tours is great for a deep dive into organic, family-run estates. If you want a flexible, "hop-on, hop-off" style for the Naramata Bench, try the Grape Savvy Trolley Co. For a premium feel with a luxury fleet, Vivid Tours is a local favourite.

Q: Are there gluten-free or plant-based food options at the wineries?
A: Absolutely. Many "farm-to-table" bistros in the region are experienced with dietary restrictions. We recommend mentioning any allergies when booking your tasting or dining reservation.

Q: Is Summerland worth a visit in the winter?
A: Definitely. Many Bottleneck Drive wineries stay open year-round for fireside tastings. Don’t miss Light Up the Vines. They use thousands of lights, fire pits, and mulled wine to turn the vineyards into a winter festival.

Q: What should we wear for a day of touring?
A: The general dress code is high-end smart casual, focusing on polished but practical pieces that can handle a 30°C afternoon sun together with a 13°C wine cellar. It's wise to bring a light layer along so you can move comfortably from a hot vineyard patio into a chilly barrel room. Tip: choose flat shoes over heels. Comfort is best for any vine-adjacent walking.

You know your group needs this, and these suites disappear faster than a bottle of Rosé on a Saturday afternoon. Click below to secure your choice of suite and lock in your spa treatments before the calendar fills.

Stay Together: Explore the Suites

Plan Your Getaway: Special Offers and Package Experiences

Recover & Reset: iKhaya Day Spa Treatments