Sagewood Winery is a small, family-run operation in Kamloops, British Columbia, that combines sustainable farming with a focus on creating wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Thompson Valley. It is part of the region’s growing wine scene, producing varietals that are shaped by the local climate and soil. Sagewood has developed a reputation for its handcrafted wines and warm, personal hospitality. Here's how they’ve achieved it.
The Beginning of Sagewood Winery
Doug Wood and Shelley Thompson founded Sagewood Winery after planting Kamloops' first commercial grapevines in 2005. They started with a vision to explore how the Thompson Valley’s conditions could support winemaking. Over time, they established their winery, learning to work with the region’s specific challenges, including extreme seasonal temperature changes and unique soil properties. Their vineyard now produces white, red, sparkling, and dessert wines with a character that reflects the region.
The couple runs the winery with a hands-on approach. Doug manages grape cultivation and wine production, while Shelley oversees guest experiences and tasting events. Their focus has always been on quality over quantity, choosing sustainable and organic practices wherever possible. The entire family, including their children, contributes to the operations, from harvesting grapes to bottling the final product.
The Influence of the Thompson Valley Terroir
The Thompson Valley is defined by hot summers, cool nights, and low annual precipitation. The nearby South Thompson River helps regulate temperatures, reducing the risk of extreme frost and improving the conditions for grape ripening. The valley’s sandy, well-drained soils, combined with minimal rainfall, force grapevines to root deeply, enhancing mineral absorption and concentration of flavours in the fruit.
These conditions influence the characteristics of Sagewood’s wines. The long growing season allows aromatic white wines to develop complexity and crisp acidity, while reds express rich fruit and subtle spice. The low humidity limits common vineyard pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments. This balance of natural factors is the foundation of Sagewood’s distinct wine styles.
The People Behind the Winery
Doug Wood handles most aspects of vineyard management and winemaking. He propagates grapevines on-site and applies a minimalist philosophy to his wine production. He avoids excessive intervention during fermentation, preferring techniques that showcase the qualities of the grapes. This approach gives each wine a profile that reflects the vineyard’s growing conditions in a given year.
Shelley Thompson takes charge of hospitality. She ensures visitors have a relaxed, welcoming experience in the tasting room. She provides detailed stories about the winemaking process and the history behind each wine. These personal touches enhance the winery's reputation for authenticity and community involvement.
Their children also play key roles, especially during harvest and production. This collective effort is central to Sagewood's identity as a family business.
Sustainable Practices in the Vineyard
Sagewood Winery prioritizes sustainability at every stage of its operations. The vineyard is managed using organic principles, including composting grape skins after harvest. They use drip irrigation to deliver water efficiently, reducing waste and stress on the vines.
Biodiversity is another priority. The family encourages natural plant life to thrive around the vines, which helps improve soil health. Integrated pest management techniques reduce reliance on pesticides. High fencing keeps deer out, and netting protects ripening grapes from birds. These methods help maintain a balance between farming needs and local wildlife.
Sagewood also incorporates sustainability into its logistics. They use electric vehicles to deliver wines to nearby stores, minimizing their carbon emissions. This combination of strategies contributes to long-term vineyard health and environmental stewardship.
The Wines of Sagewood
Sagewood Winery’s portfolio includes a variety of white, red, rosé, sparkling, and dessert wines. Each wine is made in small batches with a focus on capturing the best qualities of the Thompson Valley’s grapes.
Their white wines include Riesling, Kerner, and Gewürztraminer. The Riesling has crisp acidity and flavours of apple and citrus. The Kerner offers floral and stone fruit aromas, while the Gewürztraminer Brut Style sparkling wine brings notes of lychee and rose.
The red selection includes Gamay, Pinot Noir, and Marechal Foch. The Gamay is light-bodied with red berry flavours. Pinot Noir features a cherry bouquet with hints of spice. Marechal Foch is made in two styles. The 2022 vintage has currant and blackberry notes, pairing well with hearty meals, while the 2023 release emphasizes black currant and smoke, complementing barbecue and spicy dishes. Sagewood also produces a dessert wine called Dernier Foch, which offers a combination of caramel and red fruit flavours.
The Tasting Experience
The Sagewood Winery tasting room provides a relaxed, family-oriented experience. Guests can enjoy detailed explanations of the winemaking process and learn about the vineyard's history from the family members themselves. The tasting room is furnished with rustic, personal touches that reflect the winery’s story.
Outside, visitors can enjoy a picnic area near a fish pond and a rock waterfall. The peaceful setting encourages people to bring their own food, buy a bottle of wine, and spend time in the vineyard’s natural surroundings. The winery is open for tastings from April through Thanksgiving, but visitors are encouraged to call ahead to confirm hours.
Recognition and Future Plans
Sagewood Winery has received regional recognition for the quality of its wines. The awards reflect the success of its sustainable approach to winemaking and the hard work of the Wood-Thompson family. As Kamloops’ wine scene continues to grow, Sagewood remains dedicated to producing wines that represent the area’s unique terroir.
The winery plans to expand its offerings and increase community involvement through events and partnerships with local businesses. Its focus on sustainability and craftsmanship will continue to define its place in British Columbia’s evolving wine landscape.
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