Harper's Trail - Kamloops' First Winery
Well known and respected in the Kamloops business community, Ed and Vicki Collett are taking Kamloops one step further as they pioneer the next wine territory in British Columbia's landscape.
Wine entered Ed and Vicki's lives gradually. Throughout his career, Ed visited wine regions in other parts of the world, particularly Australia and Chile, and was struck by the similarity in climate to the Thompson River Valley. The possibility of starting a vineyard crept into the couples' minds and a weekend getaway overlooking the vines in the Okanagan cemented the desire to create their own vineyard.
Wine entered Ed and Vicki's lives gradually. Throughout his career, Ed visited wine regions in other parts of the world, particularly Australia and Chile, and was struck by the similarity in climate to the Thompson River Valley. The possibility of starting a vineyard crept into the couples' minds and a weekend getaway overlooking the vines in the Okanagan cemented the desire to create their own vineyard.
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With firm hold on a dream, but no vineyard or winemaking experience, the couple sought consultation and advice from several industry veterans to help set them on the right path. Along the way, the Colletts came to recognize that the land they had chosen for their vineyard had so much more under the surface than just ideal limestone-veined grape-growing soil.
Thousands of years ago, when the South Thompson River ran a different course, the land that now holds the Thadd Springs Vineyard was the nomadic riverside home to 30 bands of Secwepemc (or Shuswap) whose people camped along the river. Fast forward to what, in contrast, are more recent times, and you can hear the echoing hoofs and lowing of cattle in the rolling hills that now proudly host vinifera vines. Renowned BC pioneer and rancher Thaddeus Harper used the grounds as a camp and staging area, as cattle were driven from the U.S. to the Chilcotin to Harper's Gang Ranch. Today, the 24-acre vineyard shows the promise for wine growing in the Thompson Valley. With careful attention to the land, the Colletts are committed to presenting Kamloops to the world as a place in BC where one can craft fresh, fruit-driven, quality wines. For more information CLICK HERE to visit their website.
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Teresa the Traveler's Top Pick
2013 Late Harvest Riesling
Rich and honeyed tropical aromas of papaya and mango betray a surprisingly lively palate which, though showing tropical fruit as well, is incredibly refreshing. |
