April is BC Wine Month, and there’s no better time to celebrate what’s growing on along the Kamloops Wine Trail. As the valley begins to bloom and wineries gear up for a new season, spring offers a fresh look at what makes this collection of wineries so special—from evolving wine portfolios to exciting new experiences and events. The season ahead is shaping up to be a great one.
Monte Creek Winery
At Monte Creek Winery, this spring signals not just a return to the vineyards but an exciting new chapter as they move into their next decade, leading the way in sustainable excellence through regenerative farming, organic viticulture, and innovative vineyard practices.
Perched on a sweeping 1,200-acre property, the tasting room overlooks two vineyard estates that straddle the South Thompson River Valley. The dramatic landscapes and hillside views make this one of the most photogenic wine destinations in the province.
But not just a pretty face—Monte Creek offers world-class hospitality, with a suite of unique experiences and exceptional wines to enjoy along the way.
This spring, visitors can experience “Flights and Bites”—a curated tasting of three Monte Creek wines, each thoughtfully paired with a small bite created by Chef Nicole Mackie. Whether you’re planning a spring outing with friends or looking for a fun food-and-wine experience, this is a winner.
For those more interested in discovering the story behind the wine and sense of place, an immersive guided tour takes visitors through the vineyard and the state-of-the-art gravity-fed winery. More than a walk through the vines, it’s a journey into the philosophy behind Monte Creek. With a welcome glass of bubbles to start, you can literally “sip place” as you explore.
Good to Know:
Hours: Open daily | Tasting room: 11 AM – 5 PM
Tastings: $10 per person for a guided flight of four wines (waived with 3+ bottle purchase)
Dining: Terrace Restaurant open seasonally for al fresco dining overlooking the vineyard (reservations recommended)
Insider Tip: Check the winery’s event calendar—favourites like night markets and live music return, along with a newly announced long table dinner series.
New Sips:2025 Ancient Waters Rosé – Can’t wait to try this new patio sipper. Made from Pinot Noir using the saignée method.
Privato Winery & Woodward Cider Co.
A hidden gem in the heart of BC’s Thompson Valley wine region, Privato is known for its elegant charm—reflected in both the wines they craft and the experiences they offer.
The name Privato, meaning “private” in Italian, is very fitting. Set on a family-owned 80-acre property and often described by visitors as “a little piece of heaven,” the winery lives up to its name with its idyllic setting and peaceful, tucked-away feel.
Spring truly signals fresh beginnings here, as the winery opens for the season and the property comes to life with blooming gardens and inviting patio spaces. It’s the perfect place to slow down, savour the moment, and enjoy both the setting and the wines.
This season, guests can expect a thoughtfully curated tasting experience in an intimate, cellar-style setting. For a deeper dive, you can book a vineyard and cellar tour to uncover the story behind the wines—from harvest to bottle—followed by a private tasting in the cellar.
Good to Know:
Spring Hours (Apr 2 – May 31): Thursday–Monday | 11 AM – 5 PM
Summer Hours: Daily | 11 AM – 5 PM (11 AM – 6 PM Fri & Sat)
Tastings: $10–$20 per person (waived with 3-bottle purchase)
Insider Tip: Privato is known for its beautiful event gardens and seasonal experiences—from Mother’s Day celebrations to live music and vineyard markets—it’s worth checking their events calendar before you go.
Two-in-One Bonus: Sister company Woodward Cider Co. shares the property and offers a great chance to take in tasty cider sips and cool vibes from Kamloops’ first craft cidery.
New Sips: Sorpressa Rosa – Pretty excited about this new surprise to the portfolio. A fresh blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Pinot Noir
Sagewood Winery
Every wine region has its beloved little original—the passionate, family-run operation that pours heart and soul into every bottle produced, and every glass poured. For Kamloops, that’s Sagewood Winery. Located just east of the city along the scenic South Thompson River, Sagewood holds a special place in the story of Kamloops wine country.
Home to the oldest commercial vineyard in the area, the first vines were hand-planted by the Wood family on the steep sagebrush-covered slopes of the family property. No further explanation required as to the origin of the winery name Sagewood…
What makes this boutique winery special isn’t just the history, it’s heart. This is a place where the landscape, wine and family go hand in hand. The wines from Sagewood are made from 100% estate-grown grapes. Every bottle is handcrafted, hand labelled, and often poured by the Wood family themselves. The wines are made in small batches and sell out regularly. If you find one you love, stock up—it may not be there next time around.
The tasting room is intimate, the setting is unpretentious, and the stories behind each wine are the kind that make every glass taste a little more meaningful. A tasting at Sagewood genuinely feels like you are visiting the family who are proud—and rightfully so—to share what they’ve created.
Good to Know:
Tasting Room: Opens May 2, weekends only
Summer Hours: Start May 16 | Open 7 days/wk | 12 PM – 5 PM
Tasting Fees: $10 per person (waived with 2+ bottle purchase)
Insider Tip: Spring opening will see the first of the 2025 estate release, including the return of the much-loved Gewürztraminer and Ortega wines, plus a new surprise—a Haskap Berry/Riesling blend will hit the tasting bar this spring.
From sweeping vineyard views and garden escapes to wine-paired picnics and seasonal experiences, there’s never been a better time to explore what’s growing on along the Kamloops Wine Trail. This spring, take the time to discover (or rediscover) a wine region defined by its welcoming spirit, personalized experiences—set against the naturally spectacular landscapes of the Thompson Valley.