A loaf of bread, a jug of wine and…a Flavours Trail to guide visitors to the Kamloops areas’ multitude of sources for food and beverages. A brochure (order from tourismkamloops.com/flavourstrail) outlines three Flavours Trails in the region, each designed to provide a sampler that is sure to delight. Wines, craft brews and ciders will help send flavours of fresh salmon, baked goods and much, much more. Welcome to the province’s newest haven for lovers of fresh, local and natural produce!
Sunshine is the key, of course. With more than 2,000 hours annually of clear blue skies, the Thompson Valley area boasts a myriad of microclimates, the combination of which is luring producers of all sorts to recognize and celebrate a diversity of opportunity. Not so many years ago commercial grape crops of high quality would not have been thought possible. Today, a growing number of wineries—Sagewood, Harper’s Trail, Monte Creek and Privato—are proving that great wine doesn’t come only from vineyards further south. And they are winning awards on the national stage that proves they are on the right track. Fall in Kamloops comes with its fair share of flavor-inspired events. Kamloops Farmers’ Market continues to showcase local producers and growers twice weekly (Wednesdays and Saturdays) in the downtown area. (kamloopsfarmersmarket.com) Get intimate with the vineyards at Harper’s Trail Winery for the 3rd Annual Get Corked Run on September 12th. (harperstrail.com/events.php)
New for 2015, is the first annual White on White on White Party, September 16th – gourmet dinner, local wines and entertainment enjoyed in a secret location. All you have to bring is yourself, dressed in white, and your centerpiece! (judybassoevents.ca). But wait. There’s more! Visitors will quickly learn why Kamloops has become known as Canada’s most diverse golf destination. Even at this latitude, the unique microclimate allows for links enthusiasts to be out on the fairways for nearly seven months of the year. And with 13 gorgeous courses to choose from, golfers are well advised to plan to spend several days, mixing in tee times on several courses with other features the area has to offer. Imagine a sun-filled fall day of golf, followed up with a visit to a winery or two for a tour and tasting, dinner at one of Kamloops’ many fine restaurants and then a restful retreat in a hotel or bed and breakfast. What more could one ask for? For more information on events in Kamloops this fall, visit: www.tourismkamloops.com/events.
~ Lorne Eckersley
(photo courtesy of Privato Winery)