Laughing Stock Vineyards has cultivated a reputation as a serious winery with a lighthearted attitude.
“We’ve been here almost 20 years, so we do have quite a good following,” said sommelier and winery manager Sebastien Lafortune.
Located on the Naramata Bench, the winery has an intimate atmosphere with outdoor seating for about a dozen.
“The setting is quite unique. It’s not like going into a typical tasting room. This is a house that’s been converted, so it’s like you’re walking into someone’s home, and guests appreciate the intimate feeling it conveys,” he said.
Knowledgeable Staff and Unique Tastings
Laughing Stock is trying something a little different this year by doing blind tastings. It creates a more interactive experience for guests who get to learn more deeply about the colour and aromatics of the wine before they taste it—as well as the glass in which it’s served. Each of the six wines in the tasting flight is poured in varietally-specific glassware.
South Okanagan Views are Unparalleled
Overlooking Okanagan Lake, the Naramata Bench is a beautiful setting that has guests coming back year after year.
“We arguably have one of the best views,” said Lafortune. “The lake is right in front of you, rolling vineyards, and mountains and sightlines all the way down to the city centre. It’s truly a spectacular vantage point.”
A Little Levity on its Labels
Laughing Stock’s roots are visible in its distinctive wine bottle artwork, toting ticker symbols from Canadian companies.
Its founders left Bay Street for Naramata, packing a bit of lightheartedness from their previous lives into their branding which is still in use today. They use Wall Street lingo, like “liquid assets,” and call wine club members “shareholders.”
Become a Shareholder
Wine club members receive priority access to Laughing Stock’s award-winning wines, including rare library wines, limited production, and magnum size.
They also receive complimentary tastings and invitations to winery events, including some shareholder-only events as well periodic special pricing and complimentary shipping where possible.
Where the Grapes Grow
Laughing Stock’s winery vineyard is home to the Bordeaux grape varieties (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot) that are included in their flagship wine, Portfolio.
They also have the 22-acre, Perfect Hedge Vineyard, in Osoyoos, which has southwest exposure above Osoyoos Lake.
Visit laughingstock.ca for more info and to book a tasting.