Room to Shine Spotlight Series — Introducing Karen Adair
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.
When it comes to creating unforgettable guest experiences, Karen Adair, Hospitality Manager at Monte Creek Winery, is leading the charge in Kamloops’ flourishing wine tourism scene. With three years of dedication to Monte Creek and a lifelong passion for hospitality, Karen is helping redefine what it means to sip and savour in the Thompson Valley.
TK: Let's take it from the top - how did you first get into the tourism industry?
Karen’s journey into tourism started with culinary school, but it was a pivotal trip to California that planted the seed.
“While attending culinary school I went on a tour to Napa Valley — and while doing a Food & Wine pairing seminar at Beringer Estate Winery, I knew I wanted to work in the wine industry,” she shares.
That single moment of inspiration has led to a career that now blends her culinary curiosity with the art of hospitality in one of BC’s most exciting up-and-coming wine regions.
TK: What brought you to Kamloops - or made you stay?
Karen and her husband were searching for a place to settle down when they discovered their slice of paradise just outside the city.
“We purchased a one acre property in Falkland and have come to love the area.”
That love extends to Kamloops, where she’s found a welcoming community and a rising culinary culture that’s as genuine as it is ambitious.
TK: Karen, what fuels your passion?
“Seeing someone's face light up when they try one of our wines for the first time (or the seventh),” Karen says. “Getting to help people celebrate milestones in their lives — weddings, retirements, birthdays, anniversaries. And getting to work alongside and inspire the next generation of hospitality professionals.”
For Karen, it’s all about those unforgettable moments — the ones that turn a tasting into a memory. And it’s clear that she doesn’t just manage hospitality — she breathes life into it.
TK: What are your goals in this industry?
“Inspire and lead the next generation of hospitality professionals,” Karen shares. “Increase the brand awareness of Monte Creek Winery both in Kamloops and outside of Kamloops — and by doing so, increase the knowledge of the Thompson Valley area.”
Karen’s aspirations are as rooted in community as they are in excellence, echoing Tourism Kamloops’ core values of real people, innovative ambition, and intentional growth.
TK: What's your favourite Kamloops pastime?
For Karen, supporting the local food and wine scene isn’t just a passion — it’s a lifestyle.
“I love getting to go out to eat in Kamloops. The culinary scene here is growing and there are so many fabulous places to eat and enjoy a glass of Monte Creek wine.”
TK: What makes Kamloops stand out?
“The people — everyone is so friendly and so proud to be from here.”
It’s a sentiment we hear often, and Karen captures it perfectly. Kamloops’ community spirit is a huge part of what makes this city shine!
TK: Anything else we should know?
“The Thompson Valley growing area is an up-and-coming wine region in BC and great things are being done out here. It is definitely an area to watch.”
We couldn’t agree more. With champions like Karen leading the way, Kamloops is quickly becoming a must-visit destination for wine lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Whether she’s pouring a glass of Monte Creek’s finest or mentoring the next generation of hospitality professionals, Karen Adair is helping shape Kamloops into a destination that’s as welcoming as it is inspiring. Her passion for people, love of local flavours, and commitment to community connection make her a true standout in the Thompson Valley wine scene.
For a taste of what makes Kamloops so special, a visit to Monte Creek Winery might just be the perfect place to start. And if you’re lucky, Karen might be there to share a story — or a sip.
Beth Taylor
