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

We explored the Okanagan Valley vintners by vehicle and found beaches, nibbles and bottles of blush.

stay
Nix the motor inns: Osoyoos is now home to the lap of luxury at Walnut Beach Resort. In between your winery crawls, soak in the lakeside hot tubs, or curl up under a Palapa umbrella on the private beach for instant exoticness. In addition to the fully-equipped suites, poolside BBQs allow you to grill Golden Mile goodies while taking in the desert sunset. Walnut Beach Resort, 4200 Lakeshore Dr., Osoyoos, www.walnutbeachosoyoos.com

eat
Before tackling the Naramata Bench, fuel up at Summerland’s Victoria Road Deli & Bistro with scrumptious updates on the ol’ panini press. Its signature sandwich features house cured duck, ham and portobello mushrooms, while its mixed frites boast potato, yam and parsnip with smoked tomato and cherry ketchup. On your way out pick up Poplar Grove’s Double Cream Camembert from the adjoining deli for a perfect picnic pairing. Victoria Road Deli & Bistro, 108-13615 Victoria Rd. N, Summerland, www.victoriard.com

shop
Leave Ogopogo souvenirs to the kiddies—on trend this season is the Okanagan rosé. Unlike most syrupy pink Zinfandels, these subtle sippers invoke herbs and stewed strawberries. Our top choices to pick up on your travels are Le Vieux Pin’s 2008 VaΪla Pinot Noir Rosé, See Ya Later Ranch’s 2008 Nelly and Therapy’s 2008 Pink Freud. The only buyer’s remorse you may have depends on whether your trunk is big enough to fit them all. www.sylranch.com

Okanagan aromatic whites that will make your summer worth the wait.

The Blue Mountain 2006 Chardonnay ($20.90) recently had a group of California wine geeks toasting their glasses for its bright citrus and noticeable lack of oak.

Join our mile high club with Golden Mile Cellars 2006 Sauvignon Blanc ($18.90). Think tropical flavours like grapefruit, lemon and pineapple.

Laughing Stock LFNG 2007 Pinot Pinot ($21.90) marries the fruit forward honey of a Pinot Gris with the crisp apricot of a Pinot Blanc. Sounds like a match made in heaven…who’s laughing now?

Better think fast to get your hands on the award-winning Tantalus 2006 Old Vine Riesling ($24.90) as there are just a few cases left (minus one recently purchased by us).

If it’s therapy you need, it’s Therapy Vineyard's Pinot Gris ($23.99) you shall get from this crisp, well-structured gem. After all, life’s all about balance.

Some wines available at Liberty Wine Merchants or by contacting the wineries directly.

If you’re privy to the K-Town rinser (a white wine spritzer), you’re already a local at heart. If not, here’s our guide.

eat
The new Cabana Grille brings local nosh to a whole new level with super-star Chef Ned Bell back to his old summer stomping grounds after tours in Toronto and Calgary. The patio has misters to keep you cool (they’re mechanical ladies) but the scene is sure to be smokin’ nonetheless. Cabana Grille, 3799 Lakeshore Rd., Kelowna, B.C., 250-763-1955, www.cabanagrille.com

sleep
If you love quirky abodes, you’ll be charmed by Tree Tops, a private, two-bedroom retreat at the top of an apple orchard. There are river rocks embedded in the hallway and a dining room table like no other—but the views are expansive, the gardens lovely, and it’s right next door to Tantalus Vineyard (and eventually, its Bing Thom-designed winery). www.treetopskelowna.com

listen
Terry David Mulligan and Jason Priestly broadcast their wine-themed radio show, The Tasting Room, on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon. Dial in to AM1050 in Kelowna to hear their latest oenological adventures, or get caught up online. www.tastingroomradio.com

Stay
Until the Four Seasons opens in the Okanagan, Apple D’Or is your next best bet (or better). In a large log home overlooking the lake and Champagne vineyard, the three guest suites are up to 800 square feet and are fully wired and very private, with a no-expense-spared approach to décor and amenities. Recline by the pool and rhyme off the nearby wineries you’ll tackle in the afternoon: Joie, Laughing Stock, Nichol Vineyard, Therapy…

Apple D’or, 2587 Naramata Rd., Naramata, B.C., 250-496-4045, www.appledor.ca

Eat
Seasonality meets conviviality at Joy Road Catering’s Thursday and Sunday night Al Fresco vineyard dinners at God’s Mountain Estate in nearby Penticton. New friendships are forged at the outdoor harvest table overlooking the lake—and one’s faith in humanity is fully restored.

Do
Walk, bike or run off the night’s festivities with an early morning jaunt on the meandering Kettle Valley Trail accessed above Nichol Vineyard. Expansive views at every turn, and an easy, flat road bordered by Indian Paintbrush and Black Eyed Susans. For a map, click here.

Planning a trip to the Okanagan? For our other travel itineraries and winery recomendations click here.

To see pics from our Okanagan trip, visit today's Editors' Diary.

With the Okanangan Wine Festival just around the corner (Sept. 29 - Oct. 8), and the new Fall releases coming fast and furious, now’s the time to try Oliver, with a twist.

shop

Wild Goose Vineyards
Possibly the most impressive wines on the Golden Mile right now, with a charming little tasting room up in the hills. Try and buy their whitesnow that they have some new stock, especially their God’s Mountain Reisling ($16.95) and Mystic River Pinot Gris ($16.95) also available online at www.wildgoosewinery.com

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards
Buy picnic items like fresh baguettes and paté from the on-site deli in the tasting room to enjoy with a bottle of cold Pinot Gris ($15.60) or Oldfield Collection Merlot ($28) on the pretty vineyard grounds. Take a self-guided tour of the demonstration vineyard or walk up to the abandoned gold mine. If you’re lucky, catch a concert in the outdoor amphitheatre. www.tinhorn.com

Golden Mile Cellars
New owners who brought in a stellar local winemaker have turned this place right around in the last three years. Don’t be put off by the faux-castletasting room—their Road 13 red and white are great table wines at $18 and $17. Look out for the October 3 wine dinner on the crush pad. www.goldenmilecellars.com

eat

Burrowing Owl Vineyard
As you wait for your table on the busy Sonora Room patio overlooking the vineyard, take a peek at the 10-room guest house being finished for Spring 2007—and reserve your room now. Lunch on crispy duck confit salad ($15) or Orecchiette (tiny ears) pasta ($15). Compare the 2000 Cab Franc ($15/glass) in the restaurant with the just-released 2004 Cab Franc ($28/bottle). www.bovwine.ca

sleep

Try the beautiful Guesthouse at the new Therapy Vineyards in nearby Naramata. www.therapyvineyards.com