Kamloops wineries bring home more medals

KAMLOOPS – Kamloops wineries had a very good showing at the 2016 Best of BC Varietal Wine Awards presented in Penticton this week with all three wineries bringing home medals in various wine categories.

Competing against other British Columbia wineries, the Kamloops wineries were honoured with the following four medals:
– Best in Category: Monte Creek Ranch Winery for 2015 Frontenac Gris
– Silver Medal: Harper’s Trail for 2014 Cabernet Franc
– Silver Medal: Harper’s Trail for 2013 Pinot Gris
– Silver Medal: Privato for 2013 “Fedele” Pinot Noir

“This is great news for our local wineries, and once again shows the depth and quality of wines being produced here in Kamloops,” says Trish Morelli, Executive Director of the Kamloops Wineries Association. “These newest awards top off what has already been a great start to the season, as we gear up for what we hope to be another record breaking year.”

Marking the official launch of the 22nd Spring Okanagan Wine Festival, the competition featured 24 different varietal categories, with a record total of 567 wines entered. Within each of the categories, the judges narrowed the selection down to 122 finalists ultimately selecting best in category, gold and silver medal winners. Judges are chosen from the trade and include renowned sommeliers, restaurateurs and recognized wine media from across western Canada.

Erik Fisher, General Manager for Monte Creek Ranch comments on their win.

“Winning Gold this month in the Best of BC wine awards for our 2015 Hands Up White and now Gold this in the Best of Varietal wine awards for our 2015 Frontenac Gris is a great testament to our focus and passion here at Monte Creek Ranch to produce exceptional wines that reflect this great growing region. The grapes for these wines were grown on our Estate here in the South Thompson and highlight both the talent of our Winemaker Galen Barnhardt and the potential of our tremendous site.”

The Kamloops Wineries Association is a not for profit organization that brings together our member wineries under one umbrella to collectively promote and market the Kamloops wine region as a whole and to help foster a positive environment for wine tourism in the Kamloops Thompson Valley region.