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Howling Bluff Estate Winery

1086 Three Mile Rd Penticton BC V2A 8T7 · Tasting Room - Food Service

Official record from Interior Health →View on Google Maps →

Details

Google rating
4.9 / 5 (8)

Opening hours

  • Friday11 AM–5 PM
  • Monday11 AM–5 PM
  • Saturday11 AM–5 PM
  • Sunday11 AM–5 PM
  • Thursday11 AM–5 PM
  • Tuesday11 AM–5 PM
  • Wednesday11 AM–5 PM

Contact details, hours and reviews from Google Maps

Inspection summary

Howling Bluff Estate Winery has been inspected 8 times by Interior Health Authority since June 15, 2016. The most recent inspection, on May 28, 2025, found no infractions.

2 of 8 inspections on record found no infractions at all. No inspections are on record from the past 12 months. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Handwashing and staff hygiene.

The last 2 inspections in a row found no infractions. Recent inspections have recorded fewer infractions than earlier ones, so the record is improving.

What these findings mean

Health authorities word their violations differently, so we group them by what they mean for food safety. Higher-risk findings are the ones inspectors treat as critical, because they can directly make someone sick.

  • Handwashing and staff hygieneHigher risk

    Hands are the main way germs like norovirus move from people to food. Inspectors look for stocked, accessible handwashing sinks, staff washing hands when required, hair restraints, and sick employees being kept away from food. Gaps here can spread illness quickly.

    Recorded 5 times across 5 separate inspections, most recently on May 26, 2020. For example: 7 Are there handwashing stations available and properly supplied?

  • Building, plumbing and upkeepLower risk

    Floors, walls and ceilings must be smooth and clean, with working lighting, ventilation, plumbing, hot and cold water, and washrooms. These are rarely an immediate food-safety risk on their own, but persistent problems can lead to pest or sanitation issues.

    Recorded 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on July 8, 2020. For example: 2 Is the premises construction and layout unchanged and in accordance with approved plans?

  • Permits, records and postingLower risk

    Operating permits, required signage, written procedures and logs. These findings are administrative: the documentation was missing or out of date at the time of inspection.

    Recorded 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on July 8, 2020. For example: 4 Are written sanitation procedures (Sanitation Plan) current and available on site?

  • Equipment and utensilsLower risk

    Equipment has to be built from cleanable materials, kept in good repair and stored properly. These findings are mostly about upkeep, like a cracked shelf, a worn gasket or utensils stored the wrong way. They are generally lower risk but show how well the kitchen is maintained.

    Recorded once on June 15, 2016. For example: 14 - Are the premises, equipment and utensils designed and maintained to ensure safe and sanitary food handling?

About this data

These results come from Interior Health Authority, which inspects food premises and other public facilities in this area. We republish the authority's public disclosure data and refresh it regularly; the official record is the final word.

8 inspections

  1. Monitoring

    0 infractions

  2. Monitoring

    0 infractions

  3. Monitoring

    2 infractions

    • F3.2 Is the premises construction and layout unchanged and in accordance with approved plans?
      • Observation(s): A copy of the Floor Plan of the tasting room is required to be sent to this office.
    • F3.4 Are written sanitation procedures (Sanitation Plan) current and available on site?
      • Observation(s): Keep a printed copy of the Sanitation Plan in the Tasting room for staff usage.
  4. Monitoring

    2 infractions

    • F2.7 Are there handwashing stations available and properly supplied?
      • Observation(s): A handsink at the tasting room bar is in the process of being installed.
    • F3.2 Is the premises construction and layout unchanged and in accordance with approved plans?
      • Observation(s): A new floor plans needs to be submitted.
  5. Monitoring

    2 infractions

    • F2.7 Are there handwashing stations available and properly supplied?
      • Observation(s): Hand sink is lacking and is being addressed this year. Meanwhile hand sanitizer is available and sink at the washroom is nearby. Dishwasher has a large sink available.
    • F3.2 Is the premises construction and layout unchanged and in accordance with approved plans?
      • Observation(s): A new plan is being drawn up and was preliminarily discussed today.
  6. Monitoring

    2 infractions

    • F2.7 Are there handwashing stations available and properly supplied?
      • Observation(s): Hand sanitizer is a temporary setup while waiting for a sink to be installed.
    • F3.4 Are written sanitation procedures (Sanitation Plan) current and available on site?
      • F3.4A Written sanitation procedures must include cleaning and sanitizing requirements for the establishment and all equipment and utensils.
      • F3.4B Written sanitation procedures must include a list of all cleaning and sanitizing agents, including their concentration and uses.
  7. Monitoring

    2 infractions

    • F3.5 - Are there handwashing stations available and properly supplied?
      • Observation(s): Discussion regarding installing a handsink. A hand sanitizer to be installed in the interim.
    • F3.8 - Are the sanitation procedures (Sanitation Plan) current and available on site?
      • F3.8A - Written procedures must include cleaning and sanitizing requirements for the establishment and all equipment and utensils.
  8. Monitoring

    2 infractions

    • 14 - Are the premises, equipment and utensils designed and maintained to ensure safe and sanitary food handling?
      • Observation(s): A hand sink is required to be near the wine tasting booth. A suitable location was discussed and agreed upon by all parties.
    • 15 - Are there handwashing stations available and properly supplied?
      • Observation(s): A hand sink is required near the tasting station for staff hand cleaning.

Nearby inspected facilities

Reviews

Reviews provided by Google Maps
  • Christina Darrigan

    I visited Howling Bluff last week on June 11th. I am from Nova Scotia and this was my first trip to the Okanagan. I was greeted so warmly by Mel and her adorable little pup, Bubbles (as an animal lover any business that has friendly dogs on site is an added bonus). My friend and I did a tasting and Mel gave us the perfect amount of information about each wine, answered all questions, and was warm and funny, creating a wonderfully relaxing experience for my first tasting in this region. I am not a big sparkling wine/prosecco fan in general, but really enjoyed the Astrum at Howling Bluff and had a glass after the tasting; a pretty pour and great summer drink. Also, bought a fun candle and locally made necklace while there - would absolutely return!

  • Deb Hunter

    We had such a great time at Howling Bluff recently. This family owned and run winery is a special spot to enjoy incredible views and wines. The different Pinots and the bubbly were delicious. Mel our server was enthusiastic, fun and informative, you can tell she loves her job. They offer so many options, you can do a tasting or enjoy a glass of wine or a bottle of wine or a beer or a cider and sit and enjoy. Highly recommend Howling Bluff.

  • Eilish Kennedy

    I'm a local in Naramata and pretty sure Howling Bluff is the winery I visit most often :D I love it, it's cozy, welcoming, and delicious wines. But the best part is Mel & Bubbles. Mel is such a great host, funny, genuine and knowledgeable. And of course Bubbles the Howling Bluff mascot is just the best cuddler on the Bench. Highly recommend for a lovely afternoon of wine tasting on their beautiful patio!

  • Kamryn Tonhauser

    A very scenic and friendly winery to visit! The whites, reds, and bubbles were all unique and flavorful. There was a wine that could pair with any occasion! Mel and her dog Bubbles kept us in good company while we did our tasting. Highly recommend checking out Howling Bluff!

  • Angie Pinchbeck

    My birthday was a little while back, and we stopped here *just* as they were about to close up. But they were sweethearts and let us slip in. Thank goodness, because what an experience! We were helped by Mel, and she made the tasting truly interesting and enjoyable. We got to compare the same grapes grown in different terroir around their patio, and we got to compare their red and white fortified wine. We walked out with a bottle of each lol. I highly recommend this place as “not just another tasting room”. They offer unique wines with a unique experience, and EXCELLENT customer service to boot. We will definitely be back!

  • Christina Darrigan

    I visited Howling Bluff last week on June 11th. I am from Nova Scotia and this was my first trip to the Okanagan. I was greeted so warmly by Mel and her adorable little pup, Bubbles (as an animal lover any business that has friendly dogs on …

  • Deb Hunter

    We had such a great time at Howling Bluff recently. This family owned and run winery is a special spot to enjoy incredible views and wines. The different Pinots and the bubbly were delicious. Mel our server was enthusiastic, fun and …

  • Eilish Kennedy

    I'm a local in Naramata and pretty sure Howling Bluff is the winery I visit most often :D I love it, it's cozy, welcoming, and delicious wines. But the best part is Mel & Bubbles. Mel is such a great host, funny, genuine and knowledgeable. …

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