Penticton Wineries: A Guide to BC’s Wine Country

Welcome to Wine Country

“Wine is bottled poetry.” – Robert Louis Stevenson. Nestled between Lake Okanagan and Lake Skaha, Penticton is home to over 40 wineries within its city limits, with more than 170 wineries operating in the South Okanagan region, producing over 75 grape varietals. This abundance has earned the area the nickname “Napa Valley of the North.” Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a casual enthusiast, the diverse vineyards of Penticton offer an unparalleled wine-tasting experience.

Exploring the Wineries in Penticton BC

The Key Wine Regions

Penticton is surrounded by some of the most picturesque wine regions in Canada. Each area offers a distinct terroir, influencing the character of its wines. Here are two must-visit regions:

Naramata Bench

One of the most famous wine trails in the Okanagan, the Naramata Bench stretches along a 13-kilometer lakeside route. Over 45 wineries dot this scenic area, offering everything from small-batch Pinot Noir to complex Chardonnay. The views? Absolutely stunning. The wines? Even better.

Okanagan Falls/Skaha Lake

This region is often referred to as “The Heart of Wine Country.” Home to over 20 wineries, it’s a must-visit for those seeking bold reds and aromatic whites. The volcanic soil and lake influence create wines with exceptional depth and balance.

5 Must Visit Wineries in Penticton

1. La Frenz Estate Winery

Award-winning and renowned for its full-bodied reds and delicate whites, La Frenz crafts wines that showcase the purity of Okanagan fruit. Their Reserve Pinot Noir is a must-try for those who appreciate a refined, elegant red. The winery operates six vineyards across 62 acres, carefully selecting grape varietals that best suit each site’s unique soil and microclimate.

La Frenz is known for its meticulous vineyard practices, ensuring that only the best fruit makes it to production. Their lineup includes everything from their unique “peaches and cream” style Chardonnay to their bold aromatic Malbec. Visitors can experience these wines at their stunning tasting room, which overlooks the breathtaking Naramata Bench. With a strong reputation for consistently producing high-quality wines, La Frenz has won multiple awards, including #1 Best Performing Small Winery of the Year at the 2021 WineAlign National Wine Awards. Whether you’re new to wine tasting or a seasoned enthusiast, La Frenz offers an experience that shouldn’t be missed.

2. Painted Rock Estate Winery

Perched on a stunning cliffside overlooking Skaha Lake, Painted Rock Estate Winery is a beacon of modern winemaking excellence. Established by John and Trish Skinner, the winery is dedicated to crafting premium Bordeaux-style blends with an unwavering commitment to quality. Their vineyard, planted on a former apricot orchard, benefits from optimal sun exposure and well-draining soils, creating the perfect conditions for growing concentrated, high-quality grapes.

Painted Rock’s signature Red Icon blend is a standout, showcasing a masterful combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc. Their Syrah is another showstopper, offering deep complexity with layers of dark fruit, spice, and velvety tannins. Visitors can enjoy their wines in a contemporary, architecturally stunning tasting room, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the breathtaking vineyard and lake views. With numerous national and international accolades, Painted Rock has solidified its reputation as one of the premier wineries in Penticton BC.

3. Roche Wines

A boutique, family-owned winery, Roche Wines blends Old World craftsmanship with New World innovation, producing wines with striking elegance and complexity. Founded by Dylan and Penelope Roche, both of whom have extensive winemaking backgrounds in Bordeaux, the winery embraces a low-intervention, organic farming philosophy that allows the true character of the land to shine through in each bottle.

Roche Wines specializes in small-lot, terroir-driven wines, including their beautifully structured Chardonnay, vibrant Pinot Gris, and deeply expressive Cabernet Franc. Their hands-on approach extends from the vineyard to the cellar, with every detail carefully managed to maintain purity and balance. The winery’s intimate tasting room offers an engaging experience where visitors can enjoy guided tastings and hear firsthand the story behind each bottle.

If you appreciate wines that reflect a sense of place and artisanal craftsmanship, Roche Wines is a must-visit on your Penticton wine tour.

4. Pentage Winery

Pentage Winery is a hidden gem perched on the slopes above Skaha Lake, known for its breathtaking views and innovative approach to winemaking. Established by Paul Gardner and Julie Rennie, this boutique winery is committed to small-batch, high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region.

One of Pentage’s standout features is its natural rock wine cave, a stunning underground cellar that provides the ideal conditions for aging wine. This cave, carved into solid granite, maintains a consistent temperature and humidity, allowing the wines to mature gracefully.

Pentage Winery produces a diverse portfolio of wines, including aromatic whites like Gewürztraminer and Viognier, as well as bold reds such as Syrah and Cabernet Franc. Their Pentâge Blend, a meticulously crafted red blend, showcases the winery’s skill in balancing structure and elegance.

Visitors to Pentage can enjoy intimate tastings in their modern, minimalist tasting room or outdoors, overlooking the stunning lake vistas. For those who appreciate handcrafted, expressive wines in a breathtaking setting, Pentage Winery is a must-visit.

5. Laughing Stock Vineyards

Laughing Stock Vineyards is a boutique winery that seamlessly blends financial history with exceptional winemaking. Founded by former stockbrokers David and Cynthia Enns, the winery’s branding and philosophy pay homage to their past careers, with each wine named with a financial twist.

Their flagship Portfolio blend—a meticulously crafted Bordeaux-style red—is a standout, consistently earning critical acclaim for its complexity and aging potential. Laughing Stock is also known for its Blind Trust Red and White blends, which challenge drinkers to guess the varietals inside. Their commitment to small-batch, terroir-driven wines ensures a unique, high-quality tasting experience.

Visitors can enjoy an intimate, appointment-only tasting that delves into the winery’s story and meticulous winemaking process. With a focus on precision, elegance, and innovation, Laughing Stock Vineyards is a must-visit for those seeking bold flavors and a unique perspective on winemaking.

Tips for Planning Your Penticton Wine Tour

Best Times to Visit

The best months for wine touring are May through October. Summer brings vibrant vineyard views, patio tastings, and lively winery events. Expect a bustling atmosphere, particularly in July and August. If you prefer a quieter, more immersive experience, September and October are ideal, as they align with the harvest season. This is when the winemaking process is in full swing, and you may get a behind-the-scenes look at grape picking and production.

Winter and early spring also offer a unique charm, with cozy indoor tastings and fewer crowds. Some wineries even host special winter-themed events, making it a great time for a more intimate visit.

Transportation & Safety Considerations

Wine tasting should be enjoyable and stress-free. If you plan on visiting multiple wineries in one day, consider hiring a wine tour company like Wine Boss Tours. A knowledgeable wine tour guide ensures a seamless, curated experience, eliminating concerns about navigating between wineries or arranging a designated driver.

Making the Most of Your Tasting Experience

A little preparation goes a long way in enhancing your wine tour. Follow these practical tips to get the most out of each tasting:

Plan ahead. Many wineries require advance reservations, especially during peak season. Booking ahead ensures availability and allows for a more personalized experience.
Pace yourself. A good rule of thumb is to visit 3-5 wineries per day. This allows enough time to savor each tasting without feeling rushed.
Stay hydrated and eat beforehand. Wine tasting on an empty stomach can quickly become overwhelming. Many wineries offer charcuterie boards or small bites, but having a solid meal before your tour is a smart move. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
Take notes. Keep a wine journal or use a phone app to jot down your favorite wines, tasting notes, and impressions. This will help when purchasing bottles or recommending wines to friends later.
Engage with winemakers. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Winemakers love sharing their passion, and learning about their process adds a deeper appreciation to each sip.

Final Thoughts on Penticton Wineries

Penticton is more than just a wine destination—it’s a journey through breathtaking landscapes, passionate winemaking, and unforgettable flavors. Whether you’re savoring a bold red at Painted Rock Estate Winery, enjoying the refined elegance of La Frenz, or exploring the wine cave at Pentage Winery, each stop on your tour offers a unique and enriching experience.

By planning ahead, choosing the right time to visit, and selecting a safe and enjoyable transportation method, you can maximize your time in one of Canada’s most celebrated wine regions. Whether you’re here for a day or a week, the wineries in Penticton BC will leave you with memories (and bottles) to cherish.

So, raise your glass to discovery, connection, and exceptional wine. Book your tour with Wine Boss Tours today, and let’s explore the best that Penticton’s vineyards have to offer! 🍷