Naramata, South Okanagan | Neighbourhood Profile

Naramata Bench in the South Okanagan – live above & beyond.

Fruit forward, lovely notes of waterfront, with a hint of domestic bliss.

Naramata is the birthplace of the wine industry in the province of BC. As local tourism site DiscoverNaramata.com states so eloquently: “With over 40 wineries within a 20 minute drive, you’ll find plenty of terroir to swirl, sip and savour.” Between vineyards and orchards, lakeside B&Bs and sun baked country escapes, the Naramata Benchlands are mere minutes from the town of Penticton. Naramata truly is the personification of beautiful British Columbia for approximately two thousand residents.

Schools

The local school is Naramata Elementary School with kindergarten to grade six. As a member of Okanagan Skaha School District #67, they participate in a local Indigenous Education and Late French Immersion Programs. Penticton Secondary is the closest high school with school bus service through most of the community.

Location

Located within the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen in the heart of wine country in British Columbia, Naramata is a short drive from the north side of Penticton on Highway 97 and overlooks the southeast shore of Okanagan Lake. Founded in 1907 by John More Robinson, the semi-arid climate of Naramata is reminiscent of Southern California and Southern Italy – ideal growing conditions for grapes and peach, plum, pear, cherry, apricot & apple trees.

Residential Housing

Amid the traditional lakefront cottages and small single family homes in this special Okanagan enclave, buyers will also find multi-million dollar waterfront estates, the kind you find featured in house and garden magazines. The Naramata Benchlands are a natural attraction to potential winery, vineyard, orchard growers or bed and breakfast operators. At the heart is an idyllic village, the setting for the hit film ‘My American Cousin’ written and directed by local Sandra Wilson. It’s important to know that much of Naramata lies within the unique BC Agricultural Land Reserve.

Recreation

Tourists and wine critics agree, paradise found is what Naramata is all about. Wine tours, long lunches on a patio and visual splendour are just part of the story in Naramata. For biking, walking, jogging or spectacular sightseeing, the Kettle Valley Rail Trail passing by Naramata is ideal. When the temperature rises, Naramata is the place to be. Manitou Park and Beach has gorgeous white sand on Okanagan Lake with plenty of trees for shade. Plus there’s a baseball diamond, outdoor volleyball, kids playground, swimming dock & picnic tables. Water sports are wonderful in Naramata with paddling, fishing, floating or boating on your doorstep.

Restaurants

In recent years, the Naramata area has become a foodie favourite with al fresco dining at wineries and 5-star chefs preparing local fare. Be it restaurants, patios or pubs local faves include Serendipity Winery, Lake Breeze Patio, Naramata Pub & Grill, Rocky’s Real Things Pizza and the The Grape Leaf Cafe. Master Chef Victoire Bongo is famous for his Bongo BBQ & Pasta in beautiful downtown Naramata. Breweries, distilleries & cideries are now part of the new Naramata experience.

Shopping

Local shopping begins with a trip to Naramata General Store for groceries, deli items, ice cream and a Canada Post outlet. Homestead Roastery, Shades of Linen Clothing and Sun n’ Sup, a paddle board and beachwear shop are all nearby favourites with Naramata denizens. Minutes away is downtown Penticton with major retail outlets, grocery stores, banks, pharmacies and professional services.

Transportation

BC Transit with bus #10 provides regular service to Naramata connecting riders to Penticton, Summerland and Kelowna. By vehicle Naramata is just over 15 minutes from downtown Penticton on Highway 97 in the South Okanagan, connecting to Kelowna in the north and Oliver and Osoyoos to the south.