Elephant Island Orchard Wines

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. =)

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?

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.

Experienced very rude service from one member of staff there on our first and last visit recently. There was no need for it. I was nicely asking how they make their wines, the woman had no clue and was even rude about it. Maybe she was not happy about working on a Sunday but her attitude sucked.
Agree that the setting was nice, but actually none of the party liked their fruit wines.
0 star for customer service and wine. The rest is for the setting.

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.

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…

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.