Nestled along the rolling hills of the Naramata Bench is a little slice of Italy more properly known as Lake Breeze Winery. Once you turn off Naramata Road and snake down the long driveway, you come across a hidden gem cut in the likes of a Tuscan villa—one that doesn’t require flying all the way across the Atlantic but can instead be enjoyed right here in the Okanagan Valley. Imagine terracotta roofs, soft wood elements, creamy whites, and a touch of exposed brick, because that’s what greets you when you step onto Lake Breeze’s picturesque fourteen acre property.  

Purchased by the MacIntyre family back in 2001, this estate winery has managed to craft consistently great quality wines year to year for over two decades. Most of their team members are long-lasting employees: President and Winemaker Garron Elmes has spearheaded production for almost thirty years; Winemaker Victor Costa has overseen vines to wine for fourteen years now; and Chef de Cuisine Mark Ashton has spent the last fourteen years ensuring only the finest ingredients make their way to the table. The entire estate is very family-oriented. 

This year, the winery itself will celebrate 30 years in business. With such a legacy of success, the MacIntyres are proud of their staff and heavily trust them to excel in their roles independently without any micromanagement: from the vineyards to the front office, they believe in the entire Lake Breeze team. Even the grapes themselves have a historic relationship with this place—the Pinot Blanc was first planted in 1985, making them some of the oldest vines found along the Naramata Bench. 

But one of the most exciting elements of this estate winery is its new family-friendly attraction: The Farmstead.

Just a year old, this latest acquisition has provided Lake Breeze with the opportunity to expand their space with a culinary garden to grow organic vegetables, fruits and herbs, as well as a small pasture for pigs and chickens. Not only does this ensure The Patio Restaurant has the best ethically and locally sourced ingredients, it also provides guests with the opportunity to wander the two acre plot and find the joy that comes from connecting to the land. 

It’s the perfect place to bring the whole family when searching for great wine, delicious food, and an authentic outdoor marvel because you could easily spend an entire afternoon exploring all that Lake Breeze has to offer. 

The winery itself has both indoor and outdoor tasting options. If you’re looking for sunshine, then their courtyard is the perfect pairing of brilliant blue sky and equally stunning lake views where you can sip and savour underneath a shaded umbrella and imagine yourself just steps away from the Italian Riviera. Or, perhaps in search of a cooler space, head inside the wine shop to find yourself transported to a lake house: retro water skis and other decorations pay homage to water sports along with signs sporting sayings such as, “Life is better at the lake,” a common tagline at the winery—and something any local can attest to! 

With three different wine series to choose from, there are plenty of varietals and styles to discover on your visit. Among their Lake Breeze Series you will find crisp, clean, and fruit driven whites like their special Spice Jar—an aromatic blend of Gewurztraminer, Viogner, Muscat, and Ehrenfelser—or a new-world style of Pinot Noir that is full of red berries and structured tannins. 

If luxury is more your move then look no further than their Cellar Series. Inspired by Aura, the mythological goddess of wind, this exclusive collection of wine focuses on varietals that pay tribute to regional winds. For example, the Berg is a hot, dry wind that blows down the coast of South Africa. While every label features the face of Aura, the signature wine of the same name comes from the fruit of 30-year-old Pinot Noir vines—proving just how grace does indeed come with age.

Lastly, back in 2016, Lake Breeze introduced the MacIntyre Heritage Reserve Label, a series meant to honour those who walked before us. The two wines, MacIntyre Ardua and MacIntyre Astra, represent both the MacIntrye clan motto—Per Ardua—as well as William MacIntyre Sr.—a career military man for the Royal Canadian Air Force whose motto is Per Ardua Ad Astra, which translates from Latin to “Through Adversity to the Stars.”

Both Lake Breeze winemakers approach their craft with an emphasis on low intervention—something you can taste in their approachable yet complex wines. Victor Costa says, “I see each wine as a living thing that needs to be nurtured and cared for, starting from the grapes arrival on the crush pad to the time they go into the bottle.” Originally from Capetown, Garron Elmes was the first South African winemaker in the Okanagan and even introduced the Valley to his country’s signature varietal, the Pinotage. 

Just steps from the wine shop is The Patio Restaurant, a quaint and cozy outdoor seating space set beneath a weeping Katsura tree. It’s the perfect place to enjoy that beautiful soft wind that Lake Breeze is named for, cooling guests on a hot summer day. Watch the sun glitter off the Okanagan Lake while enjoying Chef de Cuisine Mark Ashton’s new vision of small plates all while enjoying their extensive portfolio of wines. 

Perhaps most exciting is all the farm-to-table ingredients sourced directly from The Farmstead. For $49 guests can try the three course Farmstead tasting menu, or you can pick and share a variety of small plates like their prosciutto—aged 16 months in-house. Staff are happy to provide colouring books and crayons so kids can sit on the grassy knoll while adults delight in the natural, aromatic ingredients so lovingly prepared for them. 

With no shortage of admirable neighbouring businesses here in the Okanagan, Lake Breeze has no problem tipping their hat to local foodie spots like Kin & Folk, Elma, Wayne & Freda, Salt & Brick, and Tratto. It’s wonderful to share similar values when it comes to supporting local farmers and the best that the Valley has to offer—so many local spots emphasize garden-to-table. 

That’s why it’s almost a natural progression to end your visit up at The Farmstead where family and friends can wander the two acre plot, play a round of Cornhole, try their hand at lawn chess, or simply enjoy their own prepared pic-nic on one of the many tables spread across the space. And if you’re in need of a sweet treat or a cup of coffee, maybe even a refreshing Italian soda, then stop at their Market Trailer for a pick-me-up. 

Pet the pigs, watch the pollinators work, and pass the day surrounded by nature all with the stunning backdrop of a lake view. But don’t forget to bring home a selection of pantry staples prepared by Chef Mark Aston: a peach and poblano BBQ sauce; Farmstead apricot mustard; vinaigrette made on-site from plum, ginger, and black sesame; and more. Taste the land in your own home not just from the wines but also the fresh farm ingredients you can include on your own table—a true expression of what terroir has to offer. 

Whatever you’re looking for, it is sure to be found at Lake Breeze Winery, because life really is better at the lake! 

Owners: Barb and Drew MacIntyre
President & Winemaker: Garron Elmes
Winemaker: Victor Costa 
Vineyard Manager: Pierre Levesque
Operations Manager: Avalon Apolzer 
Chef de Cuisine: Mark Ashton
Sous Chef: Lorea Nurse
Farmstead Manager: Jessica Young 

HOURS OF OPERATION:
Wine Shop Hours: 11:00a.m. – 5:00p.m.
The Patio Restaurant Hours: 11:30a.m. – 3:30p.m.
Market Trailer: 9:00a.m. – 4:00p.m. (**starting May 27**) 
9-4 Thursday-Monday until May 27th