Thompson Valley: Kamloops

Destination BC/Andrew Strain

THOMPSON VALLEY

Kamloops

Common Grape Varieties: Riesling, Marechal Foch, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay Average Daily High Temperature (July): 29C Average Hours of Sunshine: 2080 / Average Annual Rainfall: 224 mm Acreage: 90 / Soil Type: Bedrock, gravel, loam, silt, sandy clay

Wine producers in the Thompson Valley are not afraid to push the boundaries. Indeed, they are teetering outside the comfort zone climate-wise when it comes to growing grapes.

But these gamblers have rolled the dice and come out on top, big time. The Thompson Valley may be the most northerly area within BC Wine Country, but it enjoys more than 2,000 hours of sunshine annually and often records some of the warmest temperatures in Canada.

Today, there are just over 100 acres planted supplying grapes to a handful of wineries, mostly around Kamloops, which makes up only one per cent of the total vineyard in BC. But the potential is real and enthusiasts can count on a personalized experience and share in the passion and determination of the pioneers who are undaunted by any perceived challenges.

After all, when wine producing began in BC decades ago, there were plenty of naysayers and few – even those who took the plunge – predicted it would reach the level of excellence it has achieved today. The vintners who set the course were considered to be risk takers and mavericks at best; foolhardy and doomed at worst – but they proved the critics wrong and history speaks for itself.

There’s a lot to love about the Thompson Valley. At its core is the City of Kamloops, the second largest metropolitan area in the BC interior. But it’s an easy escape from urban life as the area is teeming with valleys and plateaus formed by volcanic land masses and rivers. Anchored by the Thompson River, a visit to a golf course or winery can be effortlessly paired with a fishing trip, a nature walk or boating expedition.

Here you’ll find Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, and Wells Gray Provincial Park, which features Helmcken Falls, higher than Niagara and plunging a breathtaking 141 metres down a narrow canyon.

Another attraction that’s sure not to escape your notice are the stunning rock formations known as the Hoodoos. The area also offers alpine skiing at a world-class resort known as Sun Peaks.

Westsyde Rd

Winery / Cidery Accommodation

Kamloops Airport Ord Rd

Tranquille Rd Halston Ave Paul Lake Rd

8th St KAMLOOPS

Best Western Plus

Kamloops Hotel

Tourism

Kamloops

Victoria St Columbia St Shuswap Rd E

Valleyview Dr

Rogers Way Hugh Allan Dr Summit Dr

PLEASE TOUR RESPONSIBLY

ARRANGE FOR A DESIGNATED DRIVER!

Harper’s Trail Estate Winery Sagewood Winery Monte Creek Ranch Estate Winery

Lafarge Rd

BC WINERIES We recommend that you call ahead or refer to winery websites to ensure that they are open at the time of your visit. Winery information may change throughout the course of the year.

BEST WESTERN PLUS KAMLOOPS HOTEL

660 Columbia Street West, Kamloops Phone: (250) 374-7878 Toll Free: 1-877-302-7878 www.bestwesternkamloops.com Kamloops Award Winning Eco-Friendly Hotel! Centrally located with Shopping and Restaurants within walking distance. Indoor saltwater pool and hot tub, free breakfast, Fibre Wi-Fi network, 42” HDTV and fitness center are some of what you will experience along with our “We Care Clean” Covid protocols. Along with our industry leading “Green” programs, making this the place to stay in Kamloops while experiencing the new Kamloops Wine Trail. See ad on page 6.

THOMPSON VALLEY: Kamloops

KAMLOOPS

HARPER’S TRAIL ESTATE WINERY

2761 Shuswap Road, Kamloops Phone: (250) 573-5855 www.harperstrail.com Located along the rolling hills of the South Thompson River, Kamloops’ first winery is situated against the dramatic backdrop of iconic hoodoos. The diverse property features sage covered hills, a natural spring and a bed of limestone and is a playground to an abundance of wildlife. The wines, with elegant minerality and crisp acidity, reflect the Thompson Valley region. Visit today and taste the untamed land of Harper’s Trail. See ad on page 52, 53.

MONTE CREEK RANCH WINERY

2420 Miners Bluff Road, Monte Creek Phone: (250) 573-5399 Toll free: 1-855-633-WINE (9463) www.montecreek.com Monte Creek Winery’s wines, unique beauty and family-friendly hospitality are a welcome stop along the TransCanada Highway where visitors can enjoy a wine tasting and shop for local products. The stunning river valley and vineyard views are visible from the tasting room, picnic area, and patio of their seasonal Terrace restaurant, which serves regionally inspired meals alfresco style. Voted Kamloops’ Best Winery two years running, Monte Creek is definitely not one to pass up on. See ad on page 52, 53.

PRIVATO VINEYARD AND WINERY

5505 Westsyde Road, Kamloops Phone: (250) 579-8739 www.privato.ca The inspiration behind the name Privato comes from the Italian word meaning private which aptly describes the wineries idyllic setting. A hidden gem in the heart of BC’s exciting Thompson Valley wine region, Privato is a familyowned boutique winery dedicated to the production of premium Burgundian styled wines. Take time to savour the idyllic setting as you sip a glass of wine and enjoy a picnic in our peaceful wine garden. See ad on page 52, 53.

Sagewood Winery 589 Meadow Lark Road, Kamloops Phone: (250) 573-1921 www.sagewoodwinery.ca

CIDERY

WOODWARD CIDER CO.

5505 Westsyde Road, Kamloops Phone: (250) 579-8739 www.woodwardciderco.ca Kamloops’ first craft cider located on the family farm adjacent to Privato Vineyard and Winery and the orchard. Kick back, relax, play a game of cornhole as you sip through our tasty all-natural craft ciders.

WHERE TO STAY INFORMATION SERVICES

TOURISM KAMLOOPS

1290 West Trans-Canada Highway, Kamloops Phone: (250) 372-8000 Toll Free 1-800-662-1994 www.tourismkamloops.com Located in the heart of British Columbia’s Thompson Region, Kamloops is far more than just a small town. In Kamloops, everyone gets to play like a local and experience life a little off the beaten path. Here, spontaneity reigns and visitors are rewarded for following their hearts, not an itinerary. This is a place where every street and trail are yours to explore, and where wrong turns often lead to the greatest discoveries. So come as you are, try something new, and let curiosity be your compass. See ad on page 52, 53.

HARPER’S TRAIL ESTATE WINERY Kamloops’ first winery is located along the South Thompson River among a diverse property featuring rolling hills of sage and grass, limestone, hoodoos, wildlife, and a natural spring. The wines, with minerality and crisp acidity, reflect the emerging wine region. Visit today and taste the untamed land. 2761 Shuswap Road, Kamloops 250-573-5855 harperstrail.com

MONTE CREEK WINERY Monte Creek Winery’s wines, unique beauty and family-friendly hospitality are a welcome stop along the TransCanada Highway where visitors can enjoy a wine tasting and shop for local products. The stunning river valley and vineyard views are visible from the tasting room, picnic area, and patio of their seasonal Terrace restaurant, which serves regionally inspired meals alfresco style. Voted Kamloops’ Best Winery two years running, Monte Creek is definitely not one to pass up on. 2420 Miner’s Bluff Road, Monte Creek 250-573-5399 montecreek.com

PRIVATO VINEYARD & WINERY A hidden gem in the heart of BC’s Thompson Valley wine region, Privato is a family-owned boutique winery crafting among the best in BC small lot Burgundian styled wines. Reserve a personalized barrel room tasting, stroll through the spectacular event gardens or simply savour the idyllic setting as you sip a glass in the wine garden patio. Complimenting the family farm and right next door to the winery is the new Woodward Cider Co. where brothers, Ben, Adam and Tim invite you to sample a tasty flight of Kamloops’ first craft cider. 5505 Westsyde Road, Kamloops 250-579-8739 privato.ca

TOURING NOTES

Notes ::: _________________________________________________