Lang Vineyards

Lang vineyards is a must-stop when wine touring in Naramata. Their wines are lovely, and their staff are even more fantastic. Chris led us through a thorough yet fun tasting, and was so helpful and patient as our group ordered many cases of wine to bring home!

With a name like Lang, you just know there’s some guy at the winery with that last name. There must be, or rather there better be, some guy named Lang that started this whole operation. First or last, doesn’t matter—it would be awesome if it were both, like the founding dude was Lang Lang. That’s even better than Duran Duran. In actuality, there were two Langs—the founder selling it to a descendant. The website is unspecific as to the relation—if a coincidence, that would be…weird. My girlfriend and I were on vacation through Okanagan wine country. Over six days, we visited sixty wineries. That’s sixty wineries, not an exaggeration. We ended the trip with 120 bottles acquired. Of those, one was a towering crimson monolith emblazoned with the symbol of Canadian patriotism…it’s a maple leaf, not a beaver, you philistines. It claimed to be the original Canadian Maplewine (the bottle, not the beaver). I couldn’t be happier with the purchase. Many places would be content to sell you maple syrup or even maple icewine syrup (don’t believe me? Every Canadian tourist shop sells both of those), but nothing with actual alcoholic content. This is a thing a beauty. I know I should discuss the winery, but this is why you go to a winery. Well, that and the view, which is amazing—they were even offering tours that day, one of the few places that did so. I acquired the red bottle, a blend of Merlot and Canadian Maple Syrup. They claim hints of light sherry and port. It’s astounding; at least the tasting was. My bottle remains unopened. I know, holding back, probably for that special occasion, harkening back that quote from Sideways. To open a red Canadian Maplewine—that’s the special occasion. Alas, I slipped it back into its box and continued writing this review. The actual winery is higher up on the bench, boasting one of the best views in the region. It’s a far better sight that day than the insane tasting room. Lang must draw crowds as, given this time of day and month, the tasting toom was packed. And with kids. Kids! Obviously, the crowd won’t affect my review, but who brings kids on a wine tour? Dogs, sure, I see dogs everywhere. I think they’re mandatory. Kids bounce off the wall demanding stimulation while ignorant parents sip wine. The actual tasting room was slightly bland, so we didn’t linger. However, the wines more than made up for it. The red maplewine was not the only bottle purchased, the other being a 2014 Marechal Foch, a rare varietal for the region. It also remains unopened by this writing. Lang claims to possess the oldest Foch grapes in the region. Really old Fochs. Old Fochs. Lang is a recommendation and worth the detour off Naramata road. It’s just up from Mocojo, another great recommendation. Ignore the lackluster name and snap a few shots of the view. Just go early to avoid the crowds.

We had an absolutely incredible experience at Lang today. One of the best I’ve had. Beyond the awesome and wide range of wines to taste, Chris provided a friendly and personable experience throughout our tasting. He deserves the recognition and appreciation. Beyond our tasting, we spent some time taking pictures to which he brought an extra taster of their bubbly. There were other individuals on the property who shared the same friendly, charismatic characteristics and treated us with nothing but fun and kindness. Thank you SO much for making our day! We will be back :)

Our host Natalie advised it would be a 10 minute wait due to Covid-19 protocols. Reservations are recommended. She was kind enough to provide us with a nice white wine while we waited on the patio that overlooks the lake - lovely. The tasting room was very nicely laid out. Of the wine we tasted 2019 Sparkling Belle Blanche was very refreshing. 2018 Viognier quite remarkable and I'm not a huge white wine fan. I bought a bottle. The best red for us was the Marchel Foch. Parking is very good.

One of my favorite wines in Naramata. The red selection is truly a destination to not miss. This years Merlot and Foch are delightful to the senses. Tasting room is well laid out for Covid-19 tasting. I did a walk up early in the day, on a weekday as well. Otherwise it's best to make a reservation. Enjoy

One of our favourite wineries! Delicious wines - great choice! Liz was a lovely hostess, helpful and explained everything so well. Historic Lang Vineyards! Carefully covid safe and NO TASTING FEE! As well as our for home purchases we bought a bottle to drink with our bag lunch on their patio with one of the best views in the valley! Thank you Lang Vineyards for being so special!

The older gentleman who served us during our tasting came across as actively unhelpful and even a little bit hostile. Our group is curious and after asking a few questions and getting indignant responses from our host, we just sat quietly and drank our wines. This isn’t what we come to Naramata for - we like to have a conversation with the employees about the thing we’re all passionate about, which is wine. Additionally, the wine just wasn’t very good. The whites all had a funk to them that made it hard to taste any of their good properties. The reds were better, but still not amazing. I feel bad saying this, but we won’t be coming back here. There are dozens, possibly even hundreds, of other wineries very close to here and there’s no reason to return to one that leaves you feeling less-than-awesome about your experience.

Delightful experience! Patrice was very knowledgeable and gracious, and the tastings were very generous with no tasting fee. The patio was quiet and scenic, and the wines very unique. The Foche is one of a kind. Highly recommended. We will be back. Merci beaucoup!! PS. Not so sure about the accusations re. racism. When we visited there was a very knowledgeable, non-white gentleman offering tastings at the tasting counter.