Harper's Trail highlights Kamloops Wine Trail

Photo: Bighorn sheep near Harper's Trail

There was some skepticism about the viability of the Thompson River Valley as a wine region when Harper’s Trail Estate Winery – the region’s first winery – opened in 2013.

The skeptics have been vanquished. In June, the area’s four wineries marked the fifth anniversary of the Kamloops Wine Trail. The wineries had welcomed more than 16,000 visitors in 2019 and would have surpassed that this year but for this spring’s closure of tasting rooms to combat the pandemic. The tasting rooms all have opened this summer.

“It’s hard to believe how far we’ve all come since the beginning,” said Vicki Collett, who owns Harper’s Trail with her husband, Ed. “Kamloops is a wine destination: we are on the map.”

The region’s first commercial vineyard was planted in 2005 by Kamloops physician Dr. Doug Wood who subsequently opened the tiny Sagewood Winery in 2014.

Harper’s Trail planted the second commercial vineyard and the Colletts dived in with both feet. Their winery bottled its first vintage in 2011. Harper’s Trail was the largest planting until Monte Creek Ranch Winery began developing its property in 2010. Monte Creek also opened in 2014.

The area’s fourth winery is Privato Vineyard & Winery, which opened in 2012 and which had based its reputation on Pinot Noirs – although the winery this spring had a limited release of a very fine Merlot.

Harper’s Trail did much of the early marketing that made consumers aware of the wine region developing around Kamloops.

The winery and its vineyard are both named for Thaddeus Harper, a pioneering 19^th century rancher near Kamloops.

“Tucked into the city outskirts on the bank of the South Thompson River, Thadd Springs Vineyard sits among rolling hills of sage and grass, home to Bighorn sheep, bears and myriad birds,” the winery says of itself. “The backdrop of limestone, Hoodoos and a natural spring set the biodiversity of this rare place.”

The wines attracted a following from the initial vintages. “The wines reflect the purity of fruit and juicy acidity that exemplify Thompson Valley wines,” the winery adds.

Here are notes on current releases.

Harper’s Trail Field Blend 2019 ($13.99 for 547 cases). The blend is Pinot Gris, Riesling, unoaked Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer. The wine begins with aromas of citrus, pineapple and peach. The medley of fruit is echoed on the palate. The wine is crisp and refreshing, with a lingering finish. 90.

Harper’s Trail Riesling Silver Mane Block 2019 ($19.29 for 781 cases). The wine begins with aromas of citrus and peach. On the palate, there are flavours of citrus and apple with a spine of minerality. The wine is balanced to finish dry and to linger on the palate. 90.

Harper’s Trail Riesling Pioneer Block 2019 ($19.29 for 315 cases). The wine has aromas and flavours of citrus, apples and stone fruits. The vibrant, well-balanced acidity gives the wine the ability to develop further over the next five years. The texture is generous and the finish is persistent. 91.

Harper’s Trail Pinot Gris 2019 ($17.99 for 324 cases). The wine begins with aromas of citrus, pear and apple. On the palate, there are flavours of pear and peach. The wine has a lush texture and a long dry finish.  90.

Harper’s Trail Rosé 2019 ($16.99 for 705 cases). This is a blend of Cabernet Franc and Pinot Gris. The color is delicate salmon pink. The aromas and flavours also are delicate, with notes of raspberry and watermelon. The finish is crisp. 88.