In Kamloops, a Wine Scene Is Budding

The North Okanagan hasn’t received nearly the amount of recognition for its wine scene as the central and southern regions of the valley. While Kelowna boasts immaculate Mission Hill Estate Winery and Oliver/Osoyoos is home to the $100-million Phantom Creek Estates and CheckMate Artisanal Winery — the only Canadian producer to earn a 100-point score for a vintage —, the Kamloops area has not received nearly the same level of attention. The growing season is shorter, the wineries are fewer, and the reputation is still building.

A number of factors, though, are providing reason to check out the two most well-known wineries on the Kamloops Wine Trail. First, the harsh winter that caused catastrophe for so many of the South Okanagan Valley wineries wasn’t as devastating in the north. The primary wineries, Monte Creek and Privato, have fared better than the hard-hit region where the heartbreak of crop devastation continues to hurt. Even though there are signs of hope for the South Okanagan, it may take a while for grapes to return to where they were prior to the 2024 winter when two unprecedented frost events occurred within weeks of each other to whither vines. In the North Okanagan, the damage wasn’t as bad.

Part of the reason is heartier grapes. Monte Creek grows a Muscat-style hybrid called La Crescent that can withstand minus-30-degree temperatures. It’s used in a Charmat-style sparkling wine and a still orange wine, rare for British Columbia. Privato and Monte Creek both use Frontenac grapes, which also grow well in the cold.

Both wineries have unique tasting rooms and beautiful grounds, a retail shop that sells artisanal products, and dining options that make a visit more pleasant and extensive.

MONTE CREEK WINERY

A mini Mission Hill in some ways, Monte Creek features a tall tower, similar to the famous Kelowna winery, and a beautiful water view that’s enhanced with immaculate grounds that immediately relax you — even before you have a sip of wine. The winery had a $10-million upgrade nine years ago that included the addition of a gravity-fed system that helps it more efficiently produce its vintages.

Perhaps more importantly, its expenditures included the purchase of equipment to help the grape vines combat the effects of climate change. Sprinklers atop the vines help in hot weather and six fans spread throughout the vineyard are used to blow snow and ice away in winter.

The all-organic winery, located about 20 minutes east of downtown Kamloops, also uses hearty hybrid grapes that can survive in extreme cold. Varieties such as Frontenac Gris and La Crescent proved last winter that they can withstand temperatures of minus-30 Celsius degrees. A descendant of muscat, La Crescent is used in Monte Creek’s sparkling wine, a tasty dry bubbly made in the Charmat method, and in an orange wine, which is a rarity in B.C.

You can sample those wines, as well as Monte Creek’s exceptional (and value-priced) Living Land Chardonnay ($21.99) and other options in the winery’s tasting room. Bathed in light and with a clear view of the South Thompson River, the tasting room is a place you will want to linger. The food options from Monte Creek’s Terrace Restaurant will also encourage you to do so. Pizzas, charcuterie boards, and cheese plates are among the menu options.

Adjacent to the tasting room is an elegant greenhouse that serves as a reception hall for weddings. Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, the greenhouse is bathed in natural light and warmth. It adds to the attractiveness of Monte Creek, one of the wineries in British Columbia that will please your eyes as well as your taste buds.

PRIVATO VINEYARD AND WINERY

Privato embodies the hallmarks of a great small business. It’s family-operated, artisanal-minded, and goes where the desires of the proprietors want to take it. Set on more than 80 acres northwest of downtown Kamploops, the property was primarily used as a Christmas tree farm. It added winemaking after owners John and Debbie Woodward undertook many years of research, including explorations of Italy.

In 2010, they launched Privato, selling Pinot Noir and adding other varietals over time, including Merlot, Marechal Foch, Chardonnay, and Gewurztraminer. Its most popular wines are Bolle Rosa, a sparkling pink rosé made with Pinot Noir, and Sorpresa Bianco, a white blend with Frontenac Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay.

 

 

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The winery grows some grapes on property and sources others from the Okanagan Valley. Despite that area’s difficult winter, Privato was still able to make due without the need to import grapes from Washington, which several other B.C. wineries have done. The wine you will cherish from your trip to the Thompson Okanagan is Privato’s Grand Reserve Pinot Noir ($74.99), which has the attributes of a Burgundy-style star from Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

The tasting room feels like you’re entering a wine cave in Tuscany, with thick, dark wood walls and an inviting stand-up bar where you can get to know more about the wines and the ciders, which are made by the family’s other business, Woodward Cider Co. Located next to the Privato tasting room, the cidery sources its fruit from the orchards on the property.

On the sprawling grounds, the owners’ imaginations have created an enchanting and lively atmosphere. A charming little pumpkin patch is perfect for fall. Kids can traipse through the path that is lined with gourds and pine trees. When they get tired, there is a food truck to satiate their hunger. Guests can lounge on picnic tables or Muskoka chairs, and take in the scenery as they enjoy their beverages.

While there has been gloomy feelings about B.C.’s wine scene because of the wildfires and harsh winter storms, the budding Thompson Okanagan scene gives reason for optimism, and for those wine lovers to try two of the province’s lesser-known gems.

MORE ABOUT VISITING KAMLOOPS

Where to Stay: The Thompson Hotel is on Victoria Street, one of Kamloops’ main thoroughfares, and features quality three-star accommodations and service. Families will especially like the on-site arcade, where kids (and their parents) can go berserk on classic video games (Pac-man and Fast and Furious) and pinball machines. Address: 650 Victoria Street, Kamloops, B.C. Room Rates: A weekend night starts at $153, based on a recent search of the hotel’s booking engine.

Where to Eat: Complement your winery visits with a taste of Kamloops’ craft beers. Noble Pig is the pioneer in the city, launching in 2010 as the first craft brewery in Kamloops. Its Stone House mocha porter will make you eager for a return visit. Food options include fish and chips, pulled pork mac and cheese, and pizzas. The brewery is massive with a large German-style patio located next door to the Thompson Hotel.