Bench Mark
JULY 30TH, 2009
Bench Mark
We spent a week on the Naramata Bench, sipping, sunning and siesta-ing. Here's the scoop.
eat
Go for breakfast at The Bench Artisan Food Market (and pick up happy hour snacks for later). The scones, cinnamon buns and coffee are all better than what you'd find in the big city. 368 Vancouver Ave., Penticton, B.C., 250-492-2222, www.thebenchmarket.com
sip
Possibly the best value on the Bench is the new Monster diffusion line from Poplar Grove. Take home a mixed case of their strawberry-scented rosé ($18), ManMade red blend ($18) and Merlot ($20): don't be scared now. 1060 Poplar Grove Rd., Penticton, B.C., www.monstervineyards.com
do
Venture up through the hills to Dirty Laundry, whose best-selling Woo Woo Gewurz pairs perfectly with picnic basket lunches on the terrace overlooking Summerland. 7311 Fiske St., Summerland, B.C., 250-494-8815, www.dirtylaundry.ca
sleep
The rustic cabins are wait-listed all summer, but try the central lodge, with the same fantastic beachfront view, plus canoes and rowboats for relaxing morning paddles. www.sandybeachresort.com
For upcoming wine events, see www.naramatabench.com