Kamloops Wineries: Exploring British Columbia's Hidden Wine Destination
Kamloops isn’t usually the first place that comes to mind when people think of British Columbia’s wine regions. Yet, this area has quietly emerged as a destination for wine lovers seeking something new. With a unique climate, family-run operations, and bold experimentation with grape varieties, Kamloops wineries are carving out a place in BC’s thriving wine scene.
The Rise of Kamloops as a Wine Region
Wine production in the Kamloops area is relatively young but growing fast. The Thompson Valley region is gaining recognition for producing wines that stand apart from those found in more established areas like the Okanagan. The region sits along the North and South Thompson Rivers, where the geography contributes to favourable growing conditions for certain grape varieties.
The area benefits from a semi-arid climate with warm days and cool nights, creating an extended growing season. Grapevines thrive in the rocky, well-draining soils giving wines unique flavour characteristics. Kamloops winemakers are making the most of these conditions, focusing on cool-climate varietals and innovative blends that reflect the land they grow on.
Privato Vineyard & Winery: Burgundy Elegance in the Thompson Valley
Privato Vineyard & Winery is a family-owned operation with a singular focus on producing small-batch Burgundy-style wines. The vineyard sits on an expansive property that also doubles as a Christmas tree farm, making it a peaceful location for wine production.
This winery specializes in premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Their meticulous approach to winemaking includes careful attention to soil and climate, ensuring that the grapes develop complex flavours. The results are wines with subtle structure and balance, designed to appeal to those who appreciate traditional Burgundy methods.
Guests visiting Privato can enjoy a variety of experiences. The winery’s stone tasting room offers a quiet, intimate setting to sample their wines. Outside, visitors can stroll through private wine gardens or bring a picnic to enjoy on the grounds. The winery also hosts events, including weddings and seasonal celebrations, providing plenty of opportunities to interact with the wines and the landscape.
Monte Creek Winery: Innovation Meets Sustainability
Monte Creek Winery is Kamloops' largest and most expansive vineyard. Situated on a vast property overlooking the South Thompson River, this winery has embraced sustainability and regenerative farming as core values. The vineyard includes 75 acres of grapes, with additional land dedicated to other agricultural projects such as honey and lavender production.
Monte Creek produces a variety of wines, including Frontenac Gris and Riesling. These varietals benefit from the region's warm days and cool nights, which help preserve acidity while developing rich fruit profiles. The winery has invested in modern techniques to ensure both quality and sustainability, making it a leader in environmentally conscious wine production.
Visitors can enjoy panoramic views from the spacious tasting room or dine at The Terrace Restaurant, which serves locally sourced meals designed to pair with Monte Creek’s wines. Special events such as their winter Snowy Paws fundraiser add a social element to the wine experience, connecting wine tourism with community support.
Sagewood Winery: Family-Run and Estate-Focused
Sagewood Winery is a boutique operation with a strong focus on estate-grown grapes. It holds the distinction of being Kamloops’ first commercial vineyard, with vines planted in 2005. The family behind Sagewood handles every aspect of production, from grape cultivation to bottling, which creates a highly personal wine experience.
This winery is known for small-batch wines that express the unique qualities of their vineyard. Their Kerner white wine offers bright, aromatic notes, while their Gnarled Rhapsody red blend combines bold fruit with a touch of spice. The wines reflect the winery’s emphasis on quality over quantity, making them sought after by local restaurants and retailers.
Sagewood offers a quiet tasting experience at their home-based facility. Tastings are available seasonally, with recommendations to book ahead. The family’s close involvement ensures that visitors often hear the story behind the wines directly from the people who made them.
Planning a Kamloops Wine Tour
The Kamloops Wine Trail provides a straightforward way to visit all three featured wineries. Monte Creek, Privato, and Sagewood are within reasonable driving distance of one another, making it possible to explore them in a single day. Organized wine tours, such as those offered by local companies like TasteFull Excursions, provide transportation and insider knowledge for those who want a curated experience.
Conclusion
Kamloops is becoming an important destination for those interested in Canadian wine. The region’s unique terroir and dedication to sustainable, small-scale production create wines worth exploring. Monte Creek, Privato, and Sagewood each bring something different to the table, making a visit to Kamloops both diverse and rewarding. This is a wine scene that continues to evolve, driven by the passion and innovation of local producers.
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