Always a good time at Elephant Island. Tasting is $10.00/person, non-refundable for 4 pours. There's always two flight options to choose from. The orchard is great to relax and sip on a few wines. - Gin botanical cider - we were offered a cider to start before our flight. Light, subtle gin flavour. - The Rockstar ($10.00) - we were given 2021 pear, 2021 black currant, 2022 framboise fortified, 2022 apricot dessert and 2022 cassis. We were happy to sample a few more wines. All their fruit wines are delicious. Only the pear was light in flavour. read more

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DIRTY WINE GLASS and WATER glass. Review the photo. Food: - they don't offer food here. Service: - I specifically drove 14 hours from Calgary to this location as I remember 6 years ago this would my fondest memory of Kelowna. That changed very quickly. - This old lady with glasses, white shirt, and curly white hair that was managing the cash register around 1-130pm on August 11th 2023 was very rude to our party of "12". We told her we didn't need a table that large as not everyone in our group drinks and wanted to explore the winery. She started to give us an attitude and said that we can't have the rest standing around the winery. Could it be racism ? I 1000% believe so. Seeing that we were a group of Asian people she definitely didn't give us the service that she gave to other parties. My family was really excited to come here as majority of them was their first time here. 100% would NEVER come here again. I would recommend anyone that is not white to come her as this place is RACIST towards no white people Horrible service. Shameful. Awful experience. The ONLY upside was our wine tasting lady. She was very nice, but due to the sour experience of that cashier lady. I will never come back. Our party was about to buy 10 bottles of wine to bring back to Calgary and lucky we brought our services elsewhere. Ambiance: - terrible. Due to the experience above. read more

Elephant Island Winery - Dirty wine glass - Wineries Near Me - Naramata, British Columbia

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Whenever we're in Naramata, Elephant Island Orchard is a must stop. We dropped in on a Saturday afternoon (with 4:15pm reservations) and it was busy. Service here is the best; friendly, welcoming and our server offered us a couple additional samples to try. Tasting fee is $10.00/flight and includes four pours. Fee is waived with the purchase of two bottle. We went with the orchard rockstar flight option. - 2020 Pear wine - this year's pear was very wine-like, leaning towards the dry side. - 2020 Black currant - herbaceous and delightfully tart. We bought two bottles ($21.10). - 2020 Crab apple wine - one of their dessert wines. Not as sweet as we expected and a splash of tartness at the end. Apparently, mixing this with gin is a winner. - 2019 Framboise - always a winner in our books. Easily one of our favourites. - 2020 Apricot dessert wine - surprisingly we've never had this before but it was delicious. Notes of floral and tasted like a tangy, sweet apricot. We bought a bottle ($24.10) for home. - 2020 Blackberry wine - one of the extra pours they gave us to try. Solid, very jammy. Elephant Island is the best place to stock up on fruit wines. read more

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Fantastic winery in the Naramata region! If you love fruit wines, this is the place for you! They have a great variety of delicious fruit wines, there are sweeter ones and also drier ones as well. We've gone to a few other wineries in the area as well, some of the flashier ones, and the service was nothing like it was at Elephant Island. The lady that was doing our tasting was very attentive, friendly and just amazing overall! She took her time, actually explained the wines, and answered any questions we had. The patio in the back of the winery is stunning. It's under a canopy of trees and looks out onto the cherry tree grove. Magical! They also have some cheese and charcuterie that you can buy I can't wait to go back next summer! This place is a must! read more

Elephant Island Winery - Cherry Grove - Wineries Near Me - Naramata, British Columbia

Earned an extra star for the extreme friendliness of the staff. A unique and worthwhile stop. We didn't plan to visit this winery, but it was recommended by a local. The mostly non-grape fruit wines - cherry, apple, raspberry, etc. - provide your taste buds a twist of difference along the Naramata wine-tasting trail. This was the only winery where our 19-year old daughter participated in the tasting - and she liked it. There is a very nice tree-shaded outdoor patio area with a view of Lake Okanogan. Service: all three people we interacted with were friendly, sincere, and attentive. - As we were driving down the road to the winery, a young girl gave us a friendly wave and smile; later we saw her helping the adults in the winery. - The young woman who started our tasting was bright-eyed with a generous smile. - The elegant woman who finished our tasting was genuinely friendly - and then surprised us by informing us there would be no charge for the tasting, even though we didn't make a purchase. read more

Elephant Island Winery - Entrance to tasting room, with outside dining area partially visible on left. - Wineries Near Me - Naramata, British Columbia

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This is the Okanagan's first fruit winery and they are setting a great example for all others. Many of their fruit wines are dry (not sweet) so they can be paired with food. The most amazing thing about visiting the winery is that you don't stand in a queue and fight for elbow space on a tiny bar. You sit in the courtyard outside, with the orchard behind you and relax at a table with your tasting group. The wines are brought out in a slow, but regular pace to you by the hostess. It's fantastic! On top of that, the wines are amazing. I was there with a group of about 7 women, and there was something for everyone. The Elephant Island Orchard Framboise 2007 ($19.90 for 375 ml) just made the 100 Best Wine Values list from Vancouver Magazine. I don't know how they narrowed it down -- we were having trouble choosing what to buy after the tasting! Most of us left with a box. They also have great ideas for using the dessert wines in cocktails and give recipes on their website and on the labels. read more

Elephant Island Winery - Wineries Near Me - Naramata, British Columbia

An interesting winery that specializes more in fruit wines than traditional grape wines. Tastings are free, although they limit you to choose either their fruit wines or grape selections. We tried the fruits, and were impressed with the pear and blackberry wines. It is definitely something different to more traditional wines, but certainly worth the trip out to try. Staff are very friendly and helpful without being judgmental whilst you try some 'unusual' wines. read more

The best winery I have ever been to, period. Better than my two weeks spent in Northern California. Better than any of my time at the wineries in Kelowna. Penticton is the real deal. I see a lot of comments on here about the service, and while the people working there don't exactly "fawn" over you (how some like it) they're honest and let you know if they think you'll like the wine presented to you, based on your taste. The fruit wine here is the best thing I've ever tasted. The black currant, my favourite, was decadent but somehow light. Perfect for a summer day on the Okanagan Lake. I'll be back, Elephant Island. And you better have at least 6 cases of Black Currant wine waiting for me. read more

Elephant Island is an atypical winery in a countryside populated by uncharacteristic wineries. They are on the same road as Deep Roots, though the latter is easier to access. Little did we know that Deep Roots would be forgettable and Elephant would stick with us...despite any accusations about it not being technically a winery. I say that because I'm getting frustrated by the proles parading as patricians snubbing their nose at businesses lacking the characteristic fields of vineyards surrounding them. Elephant Island is a reminder that even the amazing can get repetitive without the occasional shift in style. My girlfriend and I were on vacation through Okanagan wine country. Over six days, we visited sixty wineries. That's sixty wineries, not an exaggeration. We ended the trip with 120 bottles acquired. Elephant Island claimed three of those. Fruit trees dominate Elephant's fields, offering a stark contrast to the terrain of the region, and a welcoming one at that. It could be considered a "hidden gem" given you may accidentally drive by in your search for it, eventually resulting in you coasting into the less desirable Deep Roots. And Deep Roots isn't bad...just Elephant is better. In fact, accidentally driving by is necessary as the first right is the exit--you're better to miss it, take a five-minute break at Deep Roots to admire their winery before taking a right (or rather left) to Elephant's rear entrance. You drive through overhanging fruit trees, an image seen virtually nowhere else on the Bench. The winery itself looks like a hippy commune, though a lot more welcoming. The diminutive tasting room was inviting and cozy. I especially liked the chalkboard behind the bar. The host was both friendly and casual, like I was talking to an expert in their home rather than in their business, though given my previous comment regarding the hippie commune, I can't assume she doesn't sleep in the back. I don't consider myself a wine snob--I respect and appreciate the contributions made with wine variations involving other fruits, especially when those flavors are allowed to soar. My issue is when a fruit winery tries to emulate a grape wine--it ends up always coming up short. With Elephant Island, I can taste the fruit in the wine, and that says a lot. A personal favorite is their cherry wine, though their black current is a close second. Admittedly, Elephant does offer some grape varietals, Cab Franc, Merlot, Viognier, but these are not their strong suit. However, the real jewel is probably their Pink Elephant sparkling, which was one of the few sparkling wines that didn't make me want to vomit. If you are touring Naramata wineries, you owe yourself that break in the pattern, to try something new, whether that be a stopover at a bakery or cheese shop or a different type of wine. There are several of these along the Naramata, but Elephant Island is one of the more memorable in our opinion. read more

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We didn't care too much for the wines - fruit wines aren't our thing, but it was fun to try something new (with no tasting fee) and the grounds were super adorable. You drive in through a grove of cherry trees, past their production buildings. The tasting is inside but you have the option of enjoying a picnic lunch or some wine on their back patio among more fruit trees! read more

Elephant Island Winery - Wineries Near Me - Naramata, British Columbia

We absolutely loved their fruit wine here! It is a very different tasting but it was really good. We did the regular grape wine tasting and their fruity one, it was all so good. I can't wait to come back again! read more

Grab a glass, no really, they insist. Park yourself at one of the many tables in the tasting room, aka the backyard. Servers will walk around pouring sips. A jug of water sits atop each table for rinsing, or for a midday hydration of water between pours. The tastings here are complimentary. And chances are you'll fall in love with a few. It's cassis, framboise and apricot for me. Inside the dark and cheery room, a fridge sits stocked with picnic items designed to take lakeside. Robert Chaplin's Elephant Shoes book adorn the walls. More wine. As you leave, you might also notice fruit trees.... everywhere. When we were there this past week they were literally dripping with cherries. So much so that if you wanted to (and we did) you could purchase 20 lbs for $20. That's quite a deal. Or perhaps you'll be there to see the massive containers full of apricot skins and flesh, the leftover carnage of extracting the liquid for the Apricot Wine. read more

This is a great fruit winery with a sprawling patio for you to sit and relax. Indulge in many fruit wines: pear, black currant, cherry, crab apple & apricot. All of their wines and light, sweet, and would be great mixed in a cocktail. My faves were the crab apple and apricot. read more

I stopped for a tasting in October, as the season was winding down. If you like fruit wines, especially tart wines you're in luck. They have cherry wine, apricot wine and a really pucker-perfect black currant. I was in heaven. The server was knowledgeable and friendly and the fruit wines were definitely worth the trip. The courtyard has a nice view of the vineyard, and some eclectic furniture that hints you're at an artist's backyard party. The colorful leaves were falling from a tree in the center of the courtyard, adding to the bold color mix around us. I brought home several bottles and am slowly savouring them. Black currant is a clear favorite but cherry is good too (as the somelier described it, the cherry wine actually has a little bit of cherry pit taste to it - since it is fermented w/ the pits intact. Makes for an interesting bouquet.) My only complaints is that their desert wines are small skinny bottles somewhere around 350ml which was less wine than I would have hoped to go home with. But I don't blame them for charging full price for these delicious specialty wines - they're worth that and more. Elephant Island Orchard is a very small operation - not one of the mega vineyards in the area. So you likely won't find this wine on the shelf at your local liquor store when you get home, which will lead to some tears, probably. read more

These guys know how to do a tasting. No standing, elbowing tourists out of your way, fighting for the last sip of the Pinot, arguing over who is taking the last case of the Meritage... These guys invite you to relax on their patio, try their wines, oh, and for no fee! They have a variety of fruit wines - apricot, crab apple, raspberry, cassis, etc, and each would pair differently with a meal. An excellent deal, and if I were them, I'd be selling stocked picnic baskets (not just deli stuff in the fridge) and letting my guests steal away in the orchard for a few hours... read more

Love love love this winery. The ambiance is so casual and friendly you feel like you've dropped in on relatives who you love. The staff is across the board wonderfully friendly and knowledgable. The prices are very reasonable for the quality. Traveling in my van but did what I had to to take some home. Go and plan to spend some time in their shady courtyard. Picnic perfect. read more

I know, you think you don't like fruit wines, but you can't say that until you have a tasting here. (I was just discussing this with someone the other day, & he said "I thought, fruit wines? But then I tried the cherry!") Yes, they do have some very sweet wines, but also some well rounded offerings, including the aforementioned cherry wine. Of the dessert wines, I really love the framboise & the crab apple The owners are also now making a limited number of grape wines under their own label, which are available for sale at this location. Tried the cab franc at a restaurant & came back to buy two bottles, we liked it that much! Unfortunately there are no chairs or other accommodations for people who cannot stand at the bar to taste inside, but in good weather you can sit in their courtyard, which does have low tables. read more

Elephant Island Orchard Wines is a winery that is bustling with activity. When we came over near the end of the day, this place was packed to the rim and with good reason! If you've been to one too many wineries in the area and your tastebuds are gone, come by to Elephant for their selection of delicious fruit wines. Some were ok, some were outstanding and all in all, well worth the visit. Oh and did someone say free tastings? read more

My wife and i's first wine tasting we've ever done and couldn't have had a more positive experience. The staff were non intimidating, friendly and down to earth people. There was a fantastic orchard that we walked through and just a relaxed non judgemental atmosphere. It was easy to find from the main road. I've got nothing negative to say...oh ya the wines are off the hook great! I hate white wine but tried the "told you so" and am now hooked! The "naysayer" is also a great wine along with some of the berry infused wines. All good! read more

I absolutely adored my experience here. Patty was just a complete treat and may have made my whole day during my wine tour. They have a sweet little patio with a bite and place to sample wines. Because we were on the tour, we only sampled. My favorite was the framboise, and I left with a bottle. Highly recommended. =) read more

We had a wonderful time at the orchard renting the studio accommodation above the tasting room. It easily accommodated our extended family (3 adults, 4 kids). The kitchen is well equipped, the bathroom is comfortably spacious and the furnishings are in great condition. We didn't use the fireplace, because it was the heat of the summer, but it looked fully functional. Walk to the water is a 30 minute picturesque walk down a dusty country road, through the clay cliffs, to the well appointed public beach. Fun for the whole family. Life in the orchard is lovely and the views over Okanogan Lake are stunning ... especially at sunset. The only problem was a small plumbing issue that was dealt with quickly and fairly. I highly recommend this studio suite for those looking for a romantic get-away, or an all-inclusive family accommodation. We will certainly be back. read more

This is my favourite winery in Penticton/Naramata, and possibly the world--although most of my winery visits have been in BC, so that may be a weighty statement. Elephant Island offers free tastings (choose from their orchard or vineyard selection--choose orchard!!) and have lovely fruit wines. I highly recommend their blackcurrant wine and their frambroise or apricot ice wines. On a sunny day it's nice to sit in their backyard for a tasting. Their "normal" wines are great too--they do a nice Viognier and pink champagne. I'd recommend this place for the person who isn't a huge fan of wine yet or for someone who prefers lighter, sweeter wine. Speaking as a twentysomething female, I have definitely graduated from the first to second category over the past few years. Do not miss! read more

Elephant Island is an absolute must-visit winery if you're visiting the Naramata Bench wine region and have any sort of affinity to sweet fruit wines. If you have time you should definitely do your tasting outside on their beautiful patio. Rather than standing at a counter, you take your wine glass outside and one of the tasting staff will come around to serve your tasting selections. It's a really great way to experience their oh-so-tasty wines and gives you a bit of breathing room in between each selection in which to enjoy your surroundings and company. The wines themselves are absolutely incredible, especially if you prefer sweeter, less dry wines as I do. It was tough not to walk away with everything we tried but I eventually settled on a bottle of the Pear white dinner wine and the Cassis dessert wine. So SO good. read more

Awesome sweet fruit wines and cute vintage cosy atmosphere! Staff are awesome and so is the apricot desert wine

Hands down my favourite winery. I love sweet wine and this place doesn't disappoint. The service was great. When we first entire we were warmly greeted and offered free tasting. Good selection of specialty fruit wines and dessert wines. My favourite was the black current and there crab apple. It's a must try winery if you come. read more

Great atmosphere with beautiful view. It's a little out of the way but well worth the drive. Wine prices are not expensive. Like Sheila said, the wine tasting experience is something remarkably different; relax and enjoy the view while an amazing group of fruit wines are served to you. Staff is friendly and helpful. read more

Quirky little winery on the naramata bench. Service was great and wine was delightful. I enjoyed the black currant & crab apple wine so much that I brought home a couple of bottles to enjoy back in Vancouver. Coming back here next time I'm in okanagan region. read more

Elephant Island makes one of my all time fave fruit wines, black currant wine. I was excited to come here and do a tasting and see if there was any other wines I would like. The winery is quite quaint and I was really impressed with the unique outdoor tasting area. I felt at home. The service was also very friendly. At the end, we bought the blackberry and black currant wine again since it was a little cheaper than what we would pay in Vancouver. read more

Oh so beautiful this vineyard on the bench... the staff are super nice and theres so much history here.. a must buy is the Pink Champagne

Terrible service. I can appreciate that they close at 5:30pm on Sunday, but it doesn't justify the rude and rushed service and ridiculously obnoxious treatment we received by the "lady that's not the owner but has worked there forever." Completely ruined our experience, and almost our day, except for the fact that Joie and Therapy exceeded our expectations and EI was was just a blip in between 2 awesome wineries. Skip EI in my opinion. read more

First of all I have to to say that the fruit wines here at elephant Island are second to none when it comes to fruit wines in the Okanagan Valley. The service though is not up to the same standards as their wines. The lady behind the counter was flustered and was not prepared for a tasting. Not only was she ill prepared for a tasting, she would get distracted and leave to help other customers even though there was plenty of staff. It really was stunning the lack of attention however the numerous staff that were idle behind the counter did eventually step in and were tremendous. This is not the first time where we have experienced below par service at this winery. It really is a hit and miss. As far as I am concerned, this winery depends to heavily on their great tasting wines with little to no focus on customer service behind the counter. read more

Great atmosphere, no tasting fee and you can relax on the patio while the wines are served to you. Excellent wines, cassis is amazing!