FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kamloops, BC, June 18, 2018 – Kamloops Wineries were awarded with an astounding ten medals at the 37th annual All Canadian Wine Championships held in Ontario June 12th through June 14th, 2018.

A panel of 18 judges tasted and evaluated 1393 wine entries from across Canada to determine medal winners in a number of wine categories. Three Kamloops wineries, Privato, Harper’s Trail and Monte Creek Ranch took top honours in several categories with five Double Gold/Best of Category medals.  Along with the five top medals, Kamloops wineries racked up an additional five medals including one gold, three silvers and one bronze.

“We are overjoyed to have won a number of medals at the All Canadian Wine Championships this year, including two Best in Category Double Golds,” says Galen Barnhardt, Winemaker, Monte Creek Ranch Winery. “The continued success of the Thompson Valley wineries on both the national and international stage is really starting to turn some heads and speaks to the quality of both the terroir and the wineries here in the Kamloops area.”  

Also commenting on this notable competition result is Harper’s Trail Owner, Vicki Collett. “We are elated to win a Double Gold/Best in Category for our 2016 estate grown Cabernet Franc along with a pair of silver medals for our 2017 Pioneer Block Riesling and 2016 Pinot Noir. Winning such a prestigious award affirms the local terroir and quality from our Thadd Springs Vineyard here in the Kamloops Thompson Valley.”

Top medal wines include:

  • Double Gold: Monte Creek Ranch 2016 Sparkling Reserve (Sparkling Charmat Style)
  • Double Gold: Monte Creek Ranch 2016 Chardonnay (Chardonnay under $20)
  • Double Gold: Privato 2015 Tesoro Pinot Noir (Pinot Noir over $30)
  • Double Gold: Privato 2014 Grand Reserve Pinot Noir (Pinot Noir older vintages)
  • Double Gold: Harper’s Trail 2016 Cabernet Franc (Cabernet Franc under $30)
  • Gold: Monte Creek Ranch 2015 Cabernet Merlot (Bordeaux Blends under $30)

“After 42 months of aging, we just released our small lot 2014 Grande Reserve Pinot Noir so the timing on this award couldn’t be better,” says Privato owner & winemaker, John Woodward.  “We are very pleased with this accolade, but to win two Double Golds in two different categories of Pinot Noir is such an incredible honour for us.” 

“The results of this competition speaks to the level of quality coming from all of the Kamloops Wineries and Debbie and I are both very proud to work alongside our regional winery partners at Harper’s Trail and Monte Creek Ranch,” adds Woodward.

All of the ten award winning wines from Harper's Trail, Monte Creek Ranch and Privato are available directly from the wineries or from select restaurants and  retail outlets in the province. 

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For more information, or to arrange interviews please contact:

Trish Morelli

Kamloops Wineries Association

info@kamloopswinetrail.com

(604)788-8997

www.KamloopsWineTrail.com