Okanagan Valley
Where to taste the best Merlot in Penticton
If Merlot is your thing, these are the Penticton wineries that hang their reputation on it.
Naramata
Elephant Island Winery
Known for Merlot. Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Gris
Naramata
Lake Breeze Vineyards
Known for Merlot. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc
Naramata
Red Rooster Winery
Known for Merlot. Pinot Gris, Merlot, Malbec
Naramata
Township 7 Vineyards & Winery (Naramata Bench)
Known for Merlot. Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Gris
Naramata
Black Widow Winery
Known for Merlot. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Gewürztraminer
Naramata
Moraine Estate Winery
Known for Merlot. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon
Naramata
Tightrope Winery
Known for Merlot. Riesling, Viognier, Pinot Gris
Naramata
Bench 1775 Winery
Known for Merlot. Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris
Naramata
Daydreamer Wines
Known for Merlot. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay
Naramata
Howling Bluff Estate Winery
Known for Merlot. Pinot Noir, Merlot, Petit Verdot
Naramata
Poplar Grove Winery
Known for Merlot. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
Penticton
Upper Bench Winery & Creamery
Known for Merlot. Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir
Naramata
Kettle Valley Winery
Known for Merlot. Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
Naramata
Laughing Stock Vineyards
Known for Merlot. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
Penticton
Perseus Winery
Known for Merlot. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay
Naramata
Monster Vineyards
Known for Merlot. Merlot, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer
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Answer four questionsGood to know
Where is the best Merlot in Penticton?
Elephant Island Winery, Lake Breeze Vineyards and Red Rooster Winery are the Penticton wineries best known for Merlot.
How many wineries can you visit in a day in Penticton?
Three or four is the sweet spot: about an hour each, plus a proper lunch. Five is possible if the cellars are small and close together.
How do you get around Okanagan wine country without driving?
Private driver for the day (about CA$90–120 per hour, 4-hour minimum); Small-group wine shuttle (about CA$110–160 per person, half or full day); E-bike the bench (about CA$80–120 per person, day rental). Every Grapevine itinerary lists these local options; book them directly.
When is the best time to visit?
Peak May–October. From November to March most small cellars close or go appointment-only; the big estates keep reduced hours.