Room to Shine Spotlight Series — Introducing Elliot Stone
Get ready to meet the heart and soul of Kamloops in our Room to Shine Spotlight Series! Each month, we're pulling back the curtain to celebrate the incredible individuals who make this city what it is today. From leading visionaries to the behind-the-scenes heroes, these stories will dive into the grit, passion, and genuine spirit that keep Kamloops shining bright. So grab your coffee, get comfy, and let's shine a light on what makes this place unforgettable—its people.
The heart of any great city is its people, the ones who pour their passion, creativity, and energy into making their community thrive. In Kamloops, Elliot Stone is one of those people, bringing his enthusiasm for wine, winter, and the wild landscapes that surround us.
As the Assistant Manager and Cellar Hand at Monte Creek Winery, Elliot has spent the past four years immersing himself in the region's growing wine culture while pursuing his love for the winter seasons at Sun Peaks. Originally from Britain, Elliot made a bold move to Kamloops four years ago, drawn by the city's unique combination of small-city affordability and jaw-dropping access to nature. It's a decision that's clearly paid off, he's now planning to make Kamloops his permanent home.
From vineyard rows to trail runs, Elliot represents a new generation of Kamloops residents who see this city not just as a place to work, but as a place to truly live. We're excited to spotlight a Kamloops champion like Elliot!
TK: So, Elliot — how did you first get into the tourism industry?
"Working in the wine industry works perfectly with my passion for the winter seasons at Sun Peaks. I plan to make this my full-year profession as soon as possible."
For Elliot, the wine industry isn't just a job, it's a strategic choice that allows him to balance two passions. The seasonal rhythm of winemaking complements the winter months he loves to spend on the slopes, creating a lifestyle that many only dream about. It's this intentional approach to building a life around what matters most that makes his story so compelling.
TK: That's a smart way to design your life! What fuels you? What drives your passion for the work you do?
"Learning! Always learning about the tourism industry and the way wine and grapes are moving up in this part of the world. Meeting new people along the way has been a great addition."
Elliot's curiosity about the evolving wine landscape in the Thompson Valley keeps him engaged and growing. The Kamloops wine region is experiencing exciting momentum, with new techniques, grape varieties, and recognition putting the area on the map for wine enthusiasts. Being part of that growth, watching Monte Creek Winery become a forefront business in Kamloops tourism, has given Elliot a front-row seat to an industry on the rise.
His goals are clear: stay in the industry, grow with it, and help it thrive. It's the kind of long-term thinking that builds sustainable tourism communities.
TK: We love that commitment! On your day off, what's your absolute favourite thing to do in Kamloops?
"Hike and trail running."
It's a simple answer that speaks volumes about what drew Elliot here in the first place. Kamloops offers hundreds of kilometers of trails right out the backdoor, from riverside paths to alpine ridges, and for someone who values outdoor access as much as Elliot does, that's priceless. Whether he's exploring the McConnell trails, climbing up to the grasslands, or running the riverfront, the landscape keeps calling him back.
TK: We hear you! Last question: what makes Kamloops stand out for you?
"We have everything you ever need within a 20-minute drive."
For Elliot, it's the convenience and accessibility that make Kamloops so special. Wine country, mountain resorts, hiking trails, city amenities—it's all right there. This compact accessibility is one of Kamloops' hidden strengths, and it's something that residents like Elliot appreciate daily. After only four years here, he's 100% planning on making Kamloops his permanent home, a testament to how quickly this city gets under your skin.
With his roots now firmly planted in the Thompson Valley, Elliot continues to contribute to Kamloops' growing reputation as a wine and outdoor adventure destination. His journey from Britain to Kamloops shows that this city attracts people from around the world who are looking for authenticity, opportunity, and that unbeatable connection to nature.
For those looking to experience his work firsthand, a visit to Monte Creek Winery is a must. Whether you're tasting wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region or learning about the craft from someone who's genuinely passionate about it, Elliot's dedication to his work, and to this place, shines through in every glass.
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