PLACE

Formed thousands of years ago when glaciers retreated from this valley, the prominent bluffs on the east side of Okanagan Lake epitomize ideal agricultural growing conditions. Originally orchards and now mainly vineyards, over 40 wineries call the Naramata Bench home in this newly established sub-appellation.

Home Block Vineyard

NARAMATA BENCH, OKANAGAN

The place where 1 Mill Road began and continues, this vineyard is Naramata Bench personified. Originally planted with pears, this site was purchased by founders David and Cynthia Enns for exactly one million dollars on Mill Road in Naramata in 2010.

This crescent-shaped vineyard tilts southwest, surrounded by sagebrush, which maximizes heat units and minimizes frost through excellent air drainage. The heavier soils, a mix of silt, loam, and calcareous elements – mirror some of the world’s most renowned vineyard sites. Planted exclusively to Pinot Noir in 2013, the vineyard focuses on a single clone, Dijon #115. It is proudly certified sustainable by Sustainable Winegrowing British Columbia.

Black Pine Vineyard

NARAMATA BENCH, OKANAGAN

This four-acre slice of paradise is managed and owned by passionate growers Kathi Prosser and Rick Hoffart. It is the source of our very special Block Two and Black Pine vintage wines. The Pinot Noir portion of the vineyard is planted to clones #667, #777, #115, and Pommard. The vines thrive in bony, dry granite soil – conditions that encourage just enough struggle to develop deep complexity and flavor.

Cronie Family Vineyard

NARAMATA BENCH, OKANAGAN

Planted exclusively to clone 777 Pinot Noir in May 2011 on a rolling west-facing slope, this 2-acre vineyard sits at an elevation of 450m. Owned by Christy and Al Cronie, a fourth-generation South Okanagan family who purchased the property in 1991, the vineyard reflects their deep-rooted connection to the land. The site’s gentle incline and afternoon sun exposure encourage optimal ripening while preserving freshness and acidity. The soil – a top layer of loam over a base of sandy loam gravel – provides excellent drainage, fostering deep root growth and a strong sense of place.

Paddock Vineyard

NARAMATA BENCH, OKANAGAN

Paddock Vineyard carries a century of history in its soil. Originally an orchard in the 1920s, the land was later cleared and left to rest, during which time horses roamed freely, inspiring its name. In 2014, owners Kathy & Mark Ewan planted a half-acre of own-rooted Pinot Noir, Clone 115, propagated from Foxtrot Vineyard cuttings. Nestled on the west side of Naramata Road, the vineyard’s gentle slope and natural geography offer protection from strong winds. The soil, a mix of silt loam and clay, benefits from underground water flow, allowing for a transition toward dry farming. No herbicides are used, and every weed is pulled by hand. A diverse ground cover supports biodiversity, while organic nutrients and house-made compost enrich the soil. Every task (aside from mowing) is done by hand, ensuring the vines are tended with care and intention.

Coyote Canyon Vineyard

HORSE HEAVEN HILLS AVA, WASHINGTON

In 2024, after the devastating Okanagan deep freeze, we turned to Coyote Canyon Vineyard in Washington’s Horse Heaven Hills AVA to source Grenache and Syrah. Owned and farmed by the Andrews family, this premier site is known for its exceptional Rhône varietals. The warm, arid climate and well-draining sandy loam soils create ideal conditions for growing concentrated, expressive fruit.

Working with the Andrews family, we selected Grenache and Syrah for their ability to thrive in Coyote Canyon’s unique conditions. Ample sunshine, steady winds, and cool desert nights allow the grapes to ripen fully while retaining freshness and balance. The result is a wine with depth, vibrancy, and a distinct sense of place.

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