Kamloops, Uncorked.
April is BC Wine Month, and we couldn't think of a better time to celebrate what's growing right here in Kamloops on the Kamloops Wine Trail. Because something special is happening in the Thompson Valley...gold medals are being won, loyal fans are being made, and visitors are leaving with full wine bags and even fuller hearts. Kamloops wine country is here, it's thriving, and honestly? It's never tasted better.
Privato Vineyard & Winery
The name says it all. Privato — Italian for "private" — is exactly the kind of place you stumble upon and immediately want to keep to yourself. Tucked along the North Thompson River on the Westsyde Road, just 16 kilometres from downtown Kamloops, this family-owned gem has been quietly perfecting its craft since owners John and Debbie Woodward were inspired by a trip to Italy in 2010.
What started as a beloved Christmas tree farm has transformed into one of BC's most talked-about boutique wineries, with a reputation built on meticulous, small-lot Burgundian-style wines. Their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay have earned national recognition — including a Double Gold at the All Canadian Wine Championships — and it's not hard to see why once you taste them.
The tasting experience is intimate and unhurried. Think European cellar vibes, wine barrels, gorgeous gardens, and a patio made for lingering. Live music on summer Sundays? Yes, that happens too.
What to Try
Tesoro Pinot Noir — Aromas of red cherry, black plum, clay and vanilla. Silky tannins. A showstopper.
Sopressa Bianco — A Double Gold-winning white blend of Frontenac Blanc, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay. Peachy, floral, and surprisingly complex.
Chardonnay — Elegant and well-rounded, with notes of peach blossom, pineapple, and citrus.
Good to Know
Hours: Open April through December. Tasting room reopens April 2nd, 2026.
Tastings: $10–$20 per person (waived with purchase of 3+ bottles).
Pro Tip: Book at least 24 hours in advance — this one fills up fast.
Bonus: Woodward Cider Co. is right next door on the same property. Two stops, one trip.
Monte Creek Winery
Pull up a chair and stay a while, Monte Creek Winery has a way of making you feel like you've arrived somewhere truly special. As Kamloops' largest winery, Monte Creek sits on a sweeping 1,200-acre property just a 10-minute drive from the city, and the views alone are worth the trip. The South Thompson River Valley, Lion's Head Vineyard, and dramatic hillside backdrops make this one of the most photogenic wine destinations in the province.
But Monte Creek isn't just a pretty face. The winery has spent over a decade turning the Thompson Valley's unique growing conditions into genuinely excellent, award-winning wines. Winemaker Jesse Steinley has been at the helm since nearly the beginning, crafting a portfolio that ranges from crisp whites to bold reds, showcasing a diverse mix of unique cold-hardy hybrid grapes alongside classic vinifera varietals. Don't miss the unexpected stars in between (haskap berry wine, anyone?).
Monte Creek is celebrating 10+ years of premium winemaking, and they're doing it right with a full calendar of events, tastings, and seasonal dining at the Terrace Restaurant. Certified organic since 2023 across all three vineyard sites, Monte Creek is also leading the way on sustainability in the Thompson Valley, with regenerative farming practices, a compost program, Salmon Safe certification, and an OceanWise partnership.
What to Try
Hands Up White — A crowd favourite white blend that visitors rave about.
Living Land Cabernet Franc — A vibrant, medium-bodied red with notes of cherry, plum, and savoury spice.
Haskap Berry Wine — You've never had anything quite like it. Deeply hued, unique, and distinctly BC.
Riesling — Crisp and food-friendly — don't sleep on this one.
Good to Know
Hours: Open daily. Tasting room open 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 — al fresco dining overlooking the vineyard.
Pro Tip: Book in advance for the Terrace and check their event calendar. They host everything from Flights & Bites evenings to Film Festival partnerships.
Sagewood Winery
Every wine region has its beloved original—the passionate, family-run operation that planted the first seeds and never looked back. 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 as home to the oldest commercial vineyard in the area, with the first vines lovingly planted by Doug and Shelley Wood back in 2005.
What makes Sagewood special isn't just the history, it's the heart. With 17 grape varieties grown across 3.5 acres, 100% of Sagewood's wines come from their own estate vineyard. Every grape is hand-planted, hand-pruned, hand-harvested. Every bottle is crafted, labelled, and often poured by the Wood family themselves. The wines are made in small batches, they sell out regularly, and tasting here feels genuinely like visiting friends who happen to make extraordinary wine.
The tasting room is intimate, the setting is unpretentious, and the stories behind each wine — many named after family members — are the kind that make every glass taste a little more meaningful. Sagewood also takes a thoughtful organic approach to vineyard management, using drip irrigation, natural mulching, and composting practices that reflect a genuine commitment to the land.
What to Try
Sparkling Chardonnay— Aromas of green apple, lemon zest, and white flowers, with fresh flavours of citrus, green apple, and pear.
Chenin Blanc — Aromas of pear, quince, apple, and honey.
Marechel Foch — Rich black cherry in colour, with a bouquet of currant and sweet blackberries. Full-bodied with complex flavours of currant, cherry, and allspice.
Good to Know
Hours: By appointment only, call ahead at 250-573-1921.
Tastings: Seasonal — best to confirm availability before visiting.
Pro Tip: Small batches mean fast sellouts. If you fall in love with something, buy more than one bottle.
Plan Your Kamloops Wine Trail Trip
The beauty of the Kamloops Wine Trail is how easy it is to experience more than one winery in a day. Privato, Monte Creek, and Sagewood are all within a short drive of each other — and all within 20 minutes of downtown Kamloops. Here's a loose itinerary to make the most of your BC Wine Month visit:
Morning: Start at Privato when the gardens are peaceful and the tasting room is quiet. Grab a cheese board for the patio.
Afternoon: Head to Monte Creek for a guided tasting and lunch on the Terrace Restaurant. Take in those river valley views.
Late Afternoon: Call ahead to Sagewood and make your way east for a true farm-family tasting experience. Leave with more bottles than you planned.
For a hands-off experience, DiVine Tours offers guided winery tours departing from Kamloops — a great option if you'd rather let someone else handle the driving.
