Roche Wines

When you step in the tasting room door at Roche, you might feel transported back to the old world. This winery has deep roots in the French tradition of farming and winemaking – tied to Penelope Furt-Roche, a 6th generation winemaker from Bordeaux.

Roche has made wines at the estate property in Naramata since 2017. The first Roche Wines vintage; however, was 2012 – the year following Penelope and Dylan’s move to the Okanagan from France. The winery sits at the South end of the Naramata Bench with 8 estate acres, bees, chickens and a striking, modern winery building.

Dylan, Penelope and their small team tend these vines (and 15 more acres a few km North) organically and by hand. They focus on making wine in the spirit of two regions of France – Bordeaux and Burgundy. So, you’ll find some particularly beautiful Pinot Noirs, Chardonnay and Meritage blends from this winery.

The couple met during harvest in New Zealand. They are both talented winemakers (Penelope focusing on Bordeaux style wines and Dylan with Pinot Noir), but you’ll hear them refer to themselves more as “vignerons.” This implies that they are a family that farms grapes and makes wine, meaning they are focused on small scale farming first, and their winery and business is built at a manageable scale, reflecting that philosophy.

The Roches are supported by Marco (assistant winemaker), Eliana (Manager) and their three kids who you may see polishing glassware, walking Oka the winery dog or tending to the chickens.