Robert's Report

Harper's Trail Estate Winery

Adventurous winemakers are continually expanding the areas
where grapes are grown and wine is produced

Harper’s Trail Estate Winery, named for the cattle drive “trail” of pioneer rancher Thaddeus Harper, is the first winery from Kamloops. The winery is owned by Ed and Vicki Collett . Their Thadd Springs Vineyard is located on Shuswap Road just NE of Kamloops BC. The vineyard sits among rolling hills of sage and grass, home to Bighorn sheep, bears, and myriad birds. The backdrop of limestone, Hoodoos, and a natural spring set the biodiversity of this rare place.

Thousands of years ago, when the South Thompson River ran a different course, the land that now holds the Thadd Springs Vineyard was the nomadic riverside home to 30 bands of Secwepemc (or Shuswap people) whose people camped along the river. Fast forward to what in contrast are more recent times, and the rolling hills that now proudly host vinifera vines were once echoing with the sound of hoofs and braying cattle. Renowned BC pioneer and rancher Thaddeus Harper used the grounds as a camp and staging area, as cattle were driven from the US to the Chilcotin to Harper's Gang Ranch.

Today, the 18-acre vineyard is a presentation for the Thompson Valley, demonstrating what is possible for wine growing in BC. With careful attention to the land, the Colletts are committed to showing the world that Kamloops can become known as a place in BC known for crafting fresh, fruit-driven, quality wines.

2016 All Canadian Wine Championships
Recipients of the Gold Medal
2014 Pioneer Block Dry Riesling
2015 Rosé

2016 All Canadian Wine Championships
Recipients of the Silver Medal
2014 Cabernet Franc

2016 Okanagan Wine Festivals - Best of Varietals Award
Recipients of the Silver Medal
2013 Pinot Gris

2015 Intervin International Wine Awards
Recipients of the Honours Award
2013 Late Harvest Riesling

2014 Chamber of Commerce
Business Excellence Award
Tourism Award

2013 Chamber of Commerce
Business Excellence Award
Resource Industry Award

Winemaker: Michael Bartier

With four major highways intersecting Kamloops, is an easy drive from major centres such as Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Seattle. 355 km (220 mi) from Vancouver. 168 km (104 mi) from Kelowna. Located at the confluence of the two branches of theThompson River near Kamloops Lake. It is the largest community in theThompson-Nicola Regional District.

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Wineries in this region