Photo by Mary Putnam
Harpers Trail
Harper’s Trail Winery owners Ed and Vicki Collett.
After 16 years in the wine business, Harper’s Trail Winery owners Ed and Vicki Collett announced their impending retirement. The Colletts will open the tasting room for a final month this May and are inviting the community to savour their final vintage. Harper’s Trail will also release an exclusive collection of library wines.
“To have realized our vision of opening a winery and growing premium grapes in the Thompson Valley is a dream come true,” said co-owner Ed Collett.
“Despite the hard work and challenges along the way, we wouldn’t change a thing,” adds Collett. “It took a lot of courage to be the first to step up in a new wine region, but to see the Thompson Valley wine industry emerge and grow into what is now - an official wine appellation - has been, and continues to be, beyond gratifying.”
The Colletts purchased the property in 2007, planted the first vineyard block in 2008, and opened Harper’s Trail, Kamloops’ first winery, in 2012. Since that time, Harper’s Trail has grown to a 5000-case brand producing 100% estate wines.