The Thompson Valley, once the true Wild West is now home to a working ranch and the soon to open Monte Creek Ranch Winery. The winery is located 10 minutes east of Kamloops, BC, just off of Highway 1 and will launch their wine tasting room for the first time this June. Frontiersmen and prospectors once roamed these lands and even infamous train robbers, including Billy Miner, ventured here to find their fortunes out west. It’s now a place for friends and family to gather to enjoy some true western hospitality and home to a state of the art winemaking facility.
At Monte Creek Ranch livestock share the property with grapevines and wildlife on its picturesque 1200 acres. Visitors are drawn in by the beauty and can now stay a while for a wine tasting and shop for local products, such as the honey from the ranch’s own local hives. They encourage you to bring a picnic, or purchase a local cheese and meat plate should you not have planned ahead, and enjoy a feast on the patio or outside in the park-like settings. The ranch is family friendly and even hosts events such as weddings, concerts and live theatre.
2014 Monte Creek Ranch Rosé $15.69
Newly released, this rosé has a deep pink hue with aromas of strawberry puree, hibiscus, cherry pie and caramel. On the palate there is juicy strawberry and raspberry flavours and good acidity. Great wine for picnicking, pair with some country pâté and a baguette, or serve up with some grilled sausages at your next BBQ.
~ Cassandra Anderton