South Thompson Valley

At the peak of wine touring season, you might find yourself elbow to elbow in some of the more popular destinations in British Columbia Wine Country. But the Kamloops Wine Trail in the South Thompson Valley appeals to visitors by beckoning them to “enjoy a less-hurried, less-crowded wine experience.” One can expect a thoughtful one-on-one grass roots level discussions about the wine and quaint, seasonal dining and al fresco picnic experiences. The contrast of the vibrant green rows of vines with the wind-swept grasslands, rock formations, lakes and rivers should capture your imagination. South Thompson, the North Thompson, and the Fraser river intersect in this place and flow into hundreds of fish-filled lakes. The area is still home to working ranches that offer visitors a chance to be a cowboy. And it enjoys a unique microclimate that equal hot dry summers and cool, snowy winters ideal for year round outdoor adventures. At its heart is the City of Kamloops, the second largest metropolitan area in the BC interior. You can enjoy some urban experiences like shopping and fine dining effortlessly paired with a fishing trip, a nature walk or boating expedition. This region may be among the most northerly areas within BC Wine Country, but grape growers take advantage of the more than 2,000 hours of sunshine annually. In fact, the region often records some of the warmest temperatures in Canada. This region is now recognized as a Geographical Indication in its own right, due to its unique climate. Today, there are just over 100 acres planted supplying grapes to a handful of wineries, mostly around Kamloops, which makes up only one per cent of the total vineyard in BC.