The luxury of going slow
Just over a century ago when seances were what folks did for spooky fun and games, a group of socialites congregated in Brighton Beach, a burgeoning community on the eastern shore of southern Okanagan Lake. During the seance, it is said that a Sioux Chief spoke of his beloved wife, Narramattah, to Mrs. Gillespie, the local spiritual medium. The town’s founder, J.M. Robinson, thought it a lovely sounding name, took out a few letters, and bestowed it upon the village, which had originally been called Nine Mile Point before he changed it to East Summerland, first, and then Brighton Beach.
The name stuck and Naramata blossomed into a place for summer fun where people enjoyed concerts, operas, plays and regattas.
When Robinson founded the village in 1906, he could not have foreseen what the next 100 years would bring to this quiet, pretty little town. The 3,500 acres he purchased and then sold to farmers who planted fruit orchards, still produce the amazing tree fruits for which the area is known. More recently, the area has received global recognition for its wine production; approximately 50 grape varieties are grown here and used to craft elegant, award-winning wines. In 2019, the Naramata Bench (the wine-making area around Naramata) officially received its sub-Geographical Indication, making it the fourth sub-appellation in the Okanagan Valley, at that time, after Skaha Bench, Okanagan Falls and Golden Mile Bench, near Oliver.
Unlike the cosmopolitan growth to the north in and around Kelowna, Naramata has retained its small-town charm, thanks to the efforts of a determined group of Narmatians committed to maintaining quality of life over rapid growth and corporate invasion. Because of their efforts, Naramata received a Cittaslow designation in 2004. Pronounced chee/tah slow, the word means “slow city” and is part of the Slow Food-inspired Cittaslow organization that began in Italy in 1999. Naramata is only one of four places in Canada to have the designation. Cowichan Bay, B.C., Lac-Mégantic, Q.C., and Wolfville, N.S. are the others.
You won’t see any fast food restaurants or large chain stores here, rather, a handful of boutiques make up most of Naramata’s retail offerings. A few restaurants help to feed the tourists and locals alike, and accommodations range from quaint motels to the newly restored Naramata Inn, a Mission-style structure built by Robinson in 1908 and originally called Hotel Naramata. The hotel not only provided rooms for visitors but served as a residence, as well, for Robinson and his family.
Naramata is the place you want to tell everyone about, but it’s also the place you want to keep to yourself for fear of it being overrun. Thankfully, the Cittaslow committee will make sure that Naramata will long remain its delightful, relaxing and charming self.
Bring your friends and leave the chaos behind.
How to get here: Fly into Penticton Regional Airport. Rent a car and wind your way down Naramata Road through wine country. You’ll get to the village in about 20 minutes. Kelowna International Airport is further north (about 90 kms), but the drive offers spectacular views of the valley and Okanagan Lake.
Let technology be your guide: Download the VoiceMap app and take the Wine Geeks Only: Naramata Bench Terroir Driving Tour. The 40-minute driving tour begins near the marina in Penticton and ends near Naramata. It’s a great way to learn more about this part of Okanagan wine country.
When to go: Most tourist traffic happens in July and August, but those in the know, know that September is the golden month. Go now.
Where to stay: Follow in the footsteps of J.M. Robinson and book a room at the Naramata Inn. There are only 12 rooms and all are immaculately appointed with high-end linens, timeless furnishings, and locally made lavender-scented soaps and bath salts to use in soaker tubs. All rooms have doors to spacious decks where you can soak up the sun, enjoy a glass of wine, embrace the views and grab some moments of solitude.
Where to eat: Just Baked is a tiny, take-out spot with homemade baked goods and outstanding coffee. Grab a table outside and get to know the townsfolk who often congregate here. The Grape Leaf Café serves vegetarian friendly food, Real Things Pizza is a local favourite, and the Naramata Inn offers two types of dining options: The Restaurant, located on the main floor, focuses on fine dining and continental breakfasts
of local cheeses, fruits and fresh-baked goods; casual dining, cocktails and live music can be enjoyed downstairs at Eliza, named for Mr. Robinson’s wife.
What to do: Taste it all! Stop in at any of the 40+ wineries and the growing number of cideries, breweries and distilleries, or book a tour with a professional guide. Farm to Glass Wine Tours is an award-winning and highly unique experience hosted by Jess Hopwood, whose former work on luxury jets and yachts, and in wine shops and vineyards make her one very capable, connected and congenial host. Up to four guests can book a trip with Jess and spend the day riding in luxury. Her Tesla Model Y has climate-controlled storage units, meaning any wines purchased will stay at a safe temperature while you go about sipping and savouring. Jess chooses the destinations based on a strict adherence to quality, sustainability and commitment to community. Spend your entire time with Jess on the ground, or the morning tasting wines in vineyards and the afternoon relaxing on the Anam Cara, a 46-foot sailing yacht with Winds of Change Experiences. Trips are customizable: Jess’s goal is to give you the best experience possible.
Stroll, visit the museum, spend time at the public beaches, rent a bike at Freedom Bike Shop and explore the townsite or head to the Kettle Valley Trail and bike your way through vineyards, orchards and old railway tunnels. Sun n’ Sup has paddleboards to rent and they also offer group lessons. Hit up the farmers market on Wednesday nights. Go for ice cream at the General Store, and pick up some Naramata-made cider, wine and beer while you’re at it.
Places To Be
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