The story behind Upper Bench
Gavin and Shana Miller opened Upper Bench in 2012, on a Penticton estate whose vineyard dates back to 1998. It sits right at the gateway to the Naramata Bench, and it does something almost no other winery does.
Upper Bench makes wine and cheese under one roof. Gavin handles the wine, Shana runs the creamery, and the two are built to be tasted together.
Wine and cheese, side by side
Gavin Miller came to the Okanagan from England and learned his craft at respected Bench wineries before starting his own. His approach is hands-off, aimed at letting the fruit and the site show through.
The estate covers Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, and bigger Bordeaux-style reds, plus the uncommon Zweigelt grape. Shana's cheeses, made from Canadian cow's milk, are designed to pair straight back with the wines. The 2019 Riesling was named Wine of the Year at the BC Lieutenant Governor's Wine Awards.
Frequently asked questions
What is Upper Bench known for?
Upper Bench is both a winery and a creamery, making wine and cheese on the same estate near Penticton. It is known for its Riesling, which was named Wine of the Year at the BC Lieutenant Governor's Wine Awards, and its Bordeaux-style reds.
Does Upper Bench really make cheese too?
Yes. Shana Miller runs the creamery, making handcrafted cheeses from Canadian cow's milk, including brie and blue styles. They are built to pair with the estate's wines, which is the whole idea behind the place.
Where is Upper Bench Winery?
In Penticton, BC, at the southern gateway to the Naramata Bench in the Okanagan Valley. The Bench is one of the province's best-known stretches for both aromatic whites and cool-climate reds.
