Some traditions are simply too good to leave in the past.
This September, the Naramata Bench Wineries Association, in partnership with Discover Naramata, is bringing back one of the Bench’s most beloved wine events. On Sunday, September 13, Tailgate returns to Manitou Beach Park, inviting wine lovers to celebrate harvest the way Naramata did more than two decades ago.
Long before polished wine festivals became the norm, Tailgate was exactly what its name promised. Wineries drove in, parked side by side, opened their tailgates and poured wine directly from the back of their vehicles. It was casual, welcoming and unmistakably Naramata – a gathering of neighbours, growers, winemakers and visitors celebrating another harvest together.
And this year, that’s exactly what’s happening again.
Guests will stroll through Manitou Beach Park, tasting wines from a selection of more than 15 Naramata Bench wineries while meeting the owners, winemakers, vineyard crews and winery teams who make each vintage possible. Add in live music, local food trucks, lakeside views and the buzz of harvest season, and Tailgate promises to be one of the most unfiltered and authentic wine experiences of the year.
Each ticket includes a commemorative wine tasting cup, six tasting tokens, a $10 food voucher redeemable at any of the onsite food trucks, and the chance to enjoy live music, browse local vendor booths, and soak up an unforgettable afternoon celebrating harvest on the Bench. Guests can purchase additional tasting tokens and food at the event.
Whether you were there the first time around or have only heard the stories, this is your chance to experience one of the Bench’s most cherished traditions and perhaps start a few new ones.
Come get to know the people behind the bottles as they pull in, drop their tailgates, pour their wines, and celebrate harvest like it’s 2004.
Getting Here
Manitou Park is located in the Village of Naramata, which is a 20 minute drive north from Downtown Penticton. If you’re staying within the Village of Naramata, the event is within walking distance. Using shuttle service to the event is highly encouraged. Tickets with shuttle service are available or you can purchase shuttle service separately here.
Parking on site is limited to vendors and volunteers only. We offer shuttle service from Penticton with select stops along Naramara Road. If you are wanting to drive, please park in the village and walk to Manitou Park. We appreciate your every effort to respect residents and follow all parking signage.
Children and Pets
To ensure our guests have the most enjoyable time tasting wine, this event is adults only. Please find alternative care options for pets.
What are the beverage options?
Over 15 Naramata Bench Wineries Association producers will be in attendance alongside one brewery. Please stay tuned to this page for updates.
What are the food options?
Your ticket incudes a vouhcer for a tasting item ($10 value) you can use at your choice of food vendors. Stay tuned to this page for updates on the food vendors. There will be options for common dietary needs.
What should I bring with me?
We encourge you to bring a lawn chair or blanket and a refillable water bottle, sunscreen and bug spray. This event is outdoors, please come prepared for the weather.
How can I become a Sponsor?
We have great levels of sponsorship opportunities available. Check out our sponsorship package for more information.
How can I Volunteer?
Volunteers are the heart of our organization and our commnity and we can’t create great experiences without them. Naramata Bench Wineries welcomes locals who with to volunteer or community organizations who with to partner with our event to reach out to us directly.
How can I become a Vendor?
We welcome local artisan vendors or community organizations to apply here.
Beverage producers are limited to Naramata Bench Wineries Association Members only.
Food vendors are welcome to contact us directly.
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Naramata Bench Wineries Association, #374, 113-437 Martin Street, Penticton, BC, Canada, V2A 5L1