Roche Wines: A Little Piece of Burgundy on the Naramata Bench

There are wineries you visit because they are popular.

Then there are wineries you keep returning to because something about the wines stays with you long after you've left.

For me, Roche Wines is firmly in the second category.

Hidden among the vineyards of the Naramata Bench, just outside Penticton, Roche Wines quietly produces some of the most Burgundian-inspired wines in British Columbia.

It isn't about making bold statements or chasing trends.

Instead, the focus is on elegance, balance, and allowing the vineyard to speak.

Every time I visit, I find myself reaching for their Pinot Noir.

A French Story That Began in British Columbia

Roche Wines was founded by Dylan Roche and Penelope Moreau, a husband-and-wife team whose backgrounds naturally shaped the direction of the winery.

Dylan grew up in Vancouver before spending time studying in Burgundy.

Although his education wasn't in winemaking itself, living in one of the world's most respected wine regions gave him a deep appreciation for classic European wines and the philosophy behind them.

Penelope brings another piece of France to the story.

Pénélope comes from one of Bordeaux's historic wine families.

For six generations, her family owned Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion in the Graves appellation.

When the estate was sold in 2010, she and Dylan decided to begin a new chapter, moving to the Okanagan to build their own winery from the ground up.

Together, they have created something that feels surprisingly European while remaining unmistakably Okanagan.

That combination is rare.

The Naramata Bench Makes the Difference

The Naramata Bench has become one of British Columbia's premier regions for cool-climate varieties, and Roche Wines takes full advantage of its location.

Their vineyards sit on rocky, loamy soils that naturally limit vine vigour while encouraging concentration and freshness in the fruit.

Combined with the cooling influence of Okanagan Lake, these conditions allow grapes to ripen slowly while preserving acidity.

These are exactly the conditions that Chardonnay and Pinot Noir love.

Rather than pushing for maximum ripeness, Roche aims for finesse.

A Vineyard That Continues to Evolve

The property has changed significantly over the years.

When Dylan and Penelope purchased the vineyard in 2014, it included a substantial planting of Zweigelt.

While the variety had performed well, the long-term vision for the estate was different.

In 2024, much of that vineyard was replanted with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, further reinforcing Roche's commitment to Burgundian varieties.

It's a decision that perfectly reflects the identity they have been building from the beginning.

Chardonnay with a Burgundian Soul

If you enjoy rich, buttery Chardonnay, Roche may surprise you.

Their Chardonnay is inspired by Burgundy rather than California.

It is precise, elegant and driven by freshness instead of heavy oak.

The wines are layered without feeling heavy, showing citrus, orchard fruit and subtle mineral notes that become more interesting with every sip.

Pinot Noir That Keeps Me Coming Back

Everyone has certain wines they remember.

For me, Roche's Pinot Noir is one of them.

It captures what I personally love about Pinot Noir: bright fruit, silky texture, earthy complexity, remarkable balance and long, savory finish.

It never feels overripe or over-extracted. Instead, it reminds me why Burgundy became famous for this grape in the first place.

Every visit, I end up tasting the Pinot Noir again.

And every visit, I'm reminded why I keep coming back.

What About Syrah?

Like many wineries in the Okanagan, Roche has also worked with Syrah, sourcing fruit from warmer regions such as Black Sage Bench near Oliver and the Osoyoos area.

However, the future of Syrah has become increasingly uncertain.

Extreme winter cold and climate challenges have made growers think carefully about what to plant, particularly as crop insurance has become less predictable.

Decisions that once seemed straightforward now involve considerably more risk.

It's one of the realities facing many wineries across British Columbia today.

European Winemaking in the Okanagan

The Okanagan has developed its own identity over the past two decades, but Roche Wines stands out because of its unmistakable European influence.

You can taste Burgundy in the philosophy.

Not because the wines imitate France, but because they share the same priorities: elegance over power, balance over ripeness, and terroir over winemaking tricks.

In a region where some wineries still favour bigger, richer styles, Roche confidently follows a different path.

For wine lovers who appreciate classic Pinot Noir and refined Chardonnay, that's exactly what makes this winery so special.

Why You Should Visit Roche Wines

Roche Wines isn't the largest winery on the Naramata Bench, nor does it try to be.

Instead, it offers something increasingly valuable: authenticity.

If your idea of a memorable wine experience involves thoughtful wines, passionate owners and a genuine connection between vineyard and bottle, Roche deserves a place on your itinerary.

And if you're anything like me, don't be surprised if you leave with a bottle of Pinot Noir.

Roche Winery Penticton