Naramata Inn: A Gourmet Getaway in British Columbia’s Wine Country

The Okanagan Valley, the main wine-producing region in British Columbia, extends from the desert-like terrain near the U.S. border north along a chain of lakes. At the region’s approximate center is the small community of Naramata, where wineries cover the hills above Okanagan Lake.

It’s easy to find good drinking in Naramata, with nearly three dozen winemakers based outside the village. Now, in addition to wineries, Naramata has an excellent place to eat and cozy rooms where you can stay — both at the updated Naramata Heritage Inn and Spa.

Here’s the scoop:

A Restaurant With Rooms

In a 1908 building that once housed a girls’ school, the Naramata Inn bills itself as “A really great restaurant. With rooms.” And that’s an accurate description.

Chef Ned Bell, who previously helmed the kitchen at Yew Restaurant in Vancouver’s Four Seasons Hotel and served as Chef Ambassador for the global Ocean Wise program, took over the Naramata Inn in partnership with his wife, Kate Colley, and two other partners, and he’s ensuring that most inn guests come for the food.

The dining room is clearly the inn’s centerpiece, decorated with a peacock-inspired wall mural and a gilt mirror over the bar. In the warmer months, you can dine outdoors on the terrace fronting the inn’s lawn.

Dinners are prix-fixe with options for two or three courses (CAD$65/75). The menus change frequently to take advantage of what’s in season, but you can typically select from among five starters, five mains, and several desserts.

During my autumn visit, my first course included meaty scallops paired with pork belly and deliciously crispy bacon, served over a squash purée with slivers of delicata squash and apples. My main of dry-aged duck in a rich duck jus came with greens, parsnips, and petite potatoes, along with dollops of apple butter and hazelnut crema.

Staff are well versed in the local wines and can recommend pairings with each course.

For dessert, I opted for dark chocolate chip cookies, sprinkled with salt and served warm and gooey. I’d come back just for the cookies.

Guest Rooms and Amenities

One benefit of staying at the Naramata Inn is the ability to settle right into your room after your lavish dinner.

Most of the 12 guest rooms in this historic property are relatively small, with one queen bed, but they’ve been updated with high quality linens and antique furnishings. They open onto a shared porch, where you can settle into a rocking chair, with views toward the lake. 

Two of the rooms have a king bed, and Room 12, the Innkeeper’s Suite on the first floor, is a spacious two-bedroom unit, with a large living room and dining area in addition to the two bedrooms and bathroom with a clawfoot tub. The inn is not designed for children, and this first-floor suite is the only room that can accommodate families.

Room 5 is dubbed the “noisy king,” because you can hear the kitchen fan from this room throughout most of the day and evening. If the white noise from the fan just below the room doesn’t bother you, this unit is a good value, available at a significantly discounted rate.

For inn guests, the deliciousness continues in the morning, with breakfast included in the overnight rates. It’s a simple but ample offering — housemade granola with yogurt, scone with jam, cheese, and fruit, along with plenty of hot coffee or tea.

Wine Touring and Picnicking

The staff at the Naramata Inn can help you plan your wine excursions or arrange wine private tours. You can also order a picnic lunch to take with you to the vineyards.

Tip: If you’ve been wine touring, don’t stash your purchases in your room or leave them in your car, particularly if you visit during the Okanagan’s hot summer months. On request, the inn staff will store your wine in their climate-controlled wine cellar.

And another tip, this one directly from the Naramata Inn: Call your mom — if for no other reason than to tell her how delicious the food is at this really great Okanagan restaurant with rooms.

Rates

With the exception of the discounted “noisy king,” double room rates at the Naramata Heritage Inn, including breakfast, start at CAD$279/night in the off season and at CAD$349 during the late spring, summer, and fall. If you’re thinking about a winter visit, confirm first with the inn, which often closes in January and February. You can also book your stay through Expedia.

Hotel feature by Vancouver-based travel, food, and feature writer Carolyn B. Heller. Photos © Carolyn B. Heller. Destination British Columbia and Visit Penticton, in partnership with the Naramata Inn, provided support for my Okanagan research trip.