Adventures in Kamloops come in all shapes and sizes, and as the heart of the Kamloops Wine Trail, we encourage you to broaden your palate! With a number of unique, family-owned wineries across the Thompson Valley, you can experience some of the most exciting northern viticulture in BC. Check out the following locations for some of the newest experiences on the Kamloops Wine Trail.
Monte Creek Winery
As the region’s largest winery, Monte Creek Winery is setting a high standard of excellence. As of last fall, they are certified organic, which reflects their deep commitment to sustainable growing practices. You can feel good about enjoying wines from Monte Creek – and not just because they regularly pull in awards for quality! Their tasting room is open daily, 11 am to 6 pm, and the Terrace Restaurant is featuring new menu specials. “Everyone loves the pizzas, and it’s all made in-house,” Karen Adair, Hospitality Manager, says. She also recommends the Beef Tacos – “They’ve got that soft beef, just done perfectly.”
This summer, Monte Creek is launching the Long Table Dinner Series, which pairs Monte Creek Wines with specialty menus from local guest chefs. This series brings together the best food and drink Kamloops has to offer, so if you’re looking for a truly unique dinner experience, be sure to get your tickets soon.
Long Table Dinner Series Dates:
- May 23rd – International Delights with Chef Romeo of Romeo’s Kitchen + Spirits
- June 27th – Summer Garden Party with Chef Nicole Mackie, Salty Fig Catering
- July 25th – Carnival Inspired Bites with Chef Paige Badminton of Sage + Plate
- August 22nd – End of Summer BBQ with The Noble Pig Brewhouse and Underbelly by the Pig
Throughout the growing season, you’ll find many other great events on their calendar, including music nights, fitness classes, and the popular Get Corked fun run! This is the ideal race for people who don’t like races – after all, it’s got wine-tasting stops along the route, so does your time really matter?
But what about the wine?
Be sure to grab a bottle of Monte Creek’s Living Land Rosé – as the first to bear the certified organic label, this is a landmark vintage. This bright, fruit-forward rosé is the perfect way to kick off summer.
Sagewood Estate Winery
Across the river, you’ll find Sagewood Estate Winery hidden in the hills and hoodoos along the South Thompson River. If you’re looking for a cozier, more intimate experience, Sagewood is the area’s premier small-batch winery. Sagewood relies entirely on their own, local vineyard for grapes, so their wines are truly an exclusive experience. This summer their tasting room is open 12-4, seven days a week.
Don’t miss free tastings for all Dads this Father’s Day! Treat the Dads in your life with some incredible wines on June 16th.
But what about the wine?
Owner Doug Wood highly recommends Sagewood’s Gamay – so if you find a bottle, buy it before it’s gone! This rich red boasts strong notes of strawberry, so you can enjoy the taste of bright summer days no matter what the weather is doing. “It’s just a really special, really excellent wine,” says Doug. New wines will be announced in June, so watch their website for announcements.
Privato Vineyard & Winery
Follow Westsyde Road through Kamloops and you’ll find Privato Vineyard & Winery producing some truly exceptional Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays – among many other award-winning wines. Privato shares space with Woodward Cider Co., so it’s easy to please everyone in your group. Starting in June, Privato’s tasting room is open seven days a week, from 11 am to 5 pm, and their event schedule includes lots of great entertainment.
New this year, Privato is launching Comedy in the Vineyard in addition to a range of musical talent. You can pick up the convenient Music & Comedy Ticket Bundle on their website.
Entertainment Schedule:
- June 21st, 6 pm – Music by Wander North
- July 5th, 6 pm – Music by Bandidos Band
- July 12th, 6:30 pm – Comedy by Efthimios Nasiopoulos, with guests Chris Griffin & Chris Gordon
- July 19th, 6 pm – Music by the Infectuals
- July 26th, 6 pm – Music by Tommy Carson & Sound Writers
But what about the wine?
Try the Privato Sorpresa Bianco – this refreshing and subtly sweet white is perfect for summer patio meals. “Sorpresa” translates to “surprise,” so expect the unexpected with this vintage.
Exploring the Wine Trail
Good news – you don’t have to settle for just one stop on the Kamloops Wine Trail. It’s easy to visit all three, and tour info can be found online here. You’ll be welcomed across the valley but if you want to leave the planning to the professionals, guided tours run through the summer. Grab a Wine Trail Passport if you plan to visit all three and you could win free wine. It’s a win-win!
There are plenty of new and exciting experiences to look forward to on the Kamloops Wine Trail this season. Raise a glass, tag @tourismkamloops and @kamloopswinetrail @WinesofBC and let’s Sip,Smile & Stay Awhile in the beautiful Thompson Valley this summer!
