Winery Review: Serendipity Winery, Naramata, BC

The Magic of Serendipity: A Story of Women & Wine

Serendipity Winery is located on the stunning Naramata Bench, just a few minutes from the town of Naramata in beautiful British Columbia. This 12.5-acre property has 8 acres dedicated to grape-growing, where the use organic practices reigns. Depending on the vintage, somewhere between 6,000 and 10,000 cases are produced annually. The grape varieties include Pinot Noir, Syrah, Merlot, Viognier, Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc, and Cabernet Franc. This is a boutique winery that focuses on quality and not volume. The red wines are aged for five to ten years—first in barrel, then in bottle. It’s a painstaking process, but the results are rewarding. If you are an old world, red wine lover, put Serendipity Wine on your list.

Judy's Story

When Judy Kingston had a life-changing accident, the doctors told her not to challenge herself. But she wouldn’t let anything stop her from pushing forward. She started a simple macrobiotic diet, and slowly, her body began to mend. A few years later, in 2005, she and her husband found a beautiful property on the Naramata Bench. It was pure Serendipity.

In 2007, she planted her first vines. The winery was built in 2010. By 2011, their 2008 Serenata, a Bordeaux blend named by combining Serendipity and Naramata, won double gold at the prestigious San Francisco International Wine Competition. The award, a testament to her vision, marked the winery’s first major accolade.

Judy, the matriarch and host of the winery, greets guests with a warm, friendly smile. A tall, statuesque figure with shoulder-length, gray ombre hair and vibrant, bright eyes, she guides visitors toward the tasting room tucked behind the restaurant. The gentle, welcoming atmosphere is a reflection of the vineyard itself, rooted in the heart of the land.

Women in Charge

​The winery is a family business, with her daughter, Katie O'Kell, at her side. Katie has a big voice and an even bigger laugh. She is a warm character that has earned her place along side her mom in the business and loves collaborating with winemaker Shawna White. Shawna is a deeply experienced winemaker and sharp as a whip. She’s been in the business for 18 years and enjoys sharing the history of all things grapes, bottles, and wine. She is a firm believer that wine is made in the vineyard and is fervent about a sense of place.

​After tasting all, I settled on my favorite red - Devil’s Advocate which is 70% Merlot and 30% Syrah at $35. This red is deep ruby, dry, with a concentration of dried black fruit and spice aromas and flavours. This wine is a perfect pairing for grilled meats and blue cheese. “If two wrongs don’t make a right, try three.” is inscribed on the bottle and speaks to the sense of humor and delight that goes into every piece of the story that is Serendipity Winery.

​Wine Recommendation - Crafted in BC

Pinot Grigio 2024 - $34

After a welcoming sip of Sparkling Truth, we dive into the new 2024 Pinot Grigio.  Grapes were sourced from Oregon and a style that Shauna is pleased with the results. The bottle features the inspiring quote, "Find the joy in the unexpected," a heartfelt sentiment from Delilah O'Kell. This wine is a testament to the powerful synergy of passion and quality, the very heart of great winemaking. With only 202 cases remaining, this limited-edition bottle is going to sell out. Find it at the winery, or visit the BC Wine Information Centre in Penticton to secure yours.

​Join the Club

​Support local. Why not join the wine club. If you are dreaming of a wine club membership, why not become a part of the Serendipity family and get exclusive access to new releases, special discounts, and invitations to private tastings. ​Serendipity Wine Club link.

If you go, call ahead. Tell them "Good Wine Gal" sent you. You'll be inspired by the story, the vineyard, the tasting experience and the bottles you will carry away with you. Thanks for reading.