Harper’s Trail Winery, owned by Vicki and Ed Collett, is the first winery in Kamloops, located in the Thompson Valley region of British Columbia.

The Thompson Valley was recognized in 2018 as an official wine region and lies on the edge of cool climate viticulture. Riesling, Marquette, Maréchal Foch and Chardonnay are the most planted grape varieties.

Named after the cattle drive ‘trail’ of pioneer rancher Thaddeus Harper, Harper’s Trail Winery’s, Thadd Springs Vineyard, sits among rolling hills that lay on the South Thompson River bank. I have yet to visit Harper’s Trail Winery and their 25.5-acre vineyard, but it is on my list when the province opens up again.

Harper’s Trail Winery Portfolio Review:

• Chardonnay 2018 Thompson Valley B.C. VQA – Aromas of tropical fruits such as pineapple alongside fresh peach, Golden Delicious apple, hints of butter and vanilla with a dash of hazelnut. On the palate, the flavours mirror the aromas with more emphasis on the tropical notes. This wine has a great acidic backbone yet is creamy ( almost dreamy ) on the finish. 90 Points
• Rosé 2019 B.C. VQA – Rosé season is here and if you haven’t tried this wine, I suggest you do. Crafted with Pinot Gris and Cabernet Franc, this Rosé made my palate very happy! Aromas and flavours of ripe nectarine, raspberry, strawberry, watermelon and a dash of anise. 89 Points
• Field Blend Red 2019 Thompson Valley B.C. VQA – A juicy and surprising wine, this is a blend of Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay. Notes of red cherry, vanilla, red bell pepper and fresh soil, this is a wine that will appeal to many wine lovers. 89 Points
• Sparkling Chardonnay 2016 B.C. VQA – Who doesn’t love a sparkling Chardonnay? I mean, clearly I do! Here is a great example bursting with flavours of peach, pear, apple and a hint of almond on the finish. I want to crack open a bottle of this the next time I order sushi. 90 Points
• Cabernet Franc 2019 Thompson Valley B.C. VQA – A bottle of wine to find and enjoy, this Cabernet Franc is delightful, enchanting, elegant and lifted. With notes of fresh raspberry, pencil shaving, sweet tobacco, white pepper, vanilla and nutmeg, you will want another glass. Trust me. Age this wine for 5 – 7 years or enjoy now with portobello mushroom risotto or grilled steak. 91 Points
• Pioneer Block Riesling 2018 Thompson Valley B.C. VQA – If you enjoy Riesling, you are going to love this wine. Zesty and vibrant, this Riesling is alive and bright with flavours of lime zest, white grapefruit, apple and a dusting of flint on the finish. Quite exceptional and I would love to see how this ages over the next few years. 92 Points.

I cannot wait to visit Harper’s Trail Winery in person, hopefully this summer, and walk among the vines. I applaud the Collett family for being the first Thompson Valley winery pioneers and look forward to tasting future vintages by winemaker, Sébastien Hotte.

I would like to thank Harper’s Trail Winery for providing these wines to sample and review.

Christine