The Kamloops Wine Trail has lots of options when it comes to affordable gifts for your loved ones. Red wines are especially popular during the winter months.  Heartier wines go well with comfort foods like chili, soups and baked items like shepherds pie. Also don’t forget about mulled wine! Try something new this winter with a mulled red wine. This wine is enhanced with spices like cinnamon and ginger, and served warm. Grab a mug of this delicious seasonal wine and snuggle up in your favorite blanket! 

Here are some under $30 suggestions from the Kamloops Wine Trail that are the perfect pick for the red wine lover in your life:

Monte Creek Ranch Winery:

2014 Cabernet Merlot for $18.49

Cabernet Merlot is a staple at Monte Creek Ranch. You will be pleasantly surprised to find that this classic wine has a unique spin. At first you will catch a hint of bright black cherry, spiced plum and raspberry, followed by a mix of cinnamon, mocha and licorice on the palate. It’s like a luxurious café specialty drink, with a warm, lingering finish. The subtle tannins make this wine approachable and easy to sip. Drink with short ribs, BBQ or your favourite game.

2013 Foch for $18.49

Our Kamloops climate is taming what can often be a foxy beast – and we don’t mean the 1970s definition of foxy. Telltale purple-red hues shine through, yet this medium body wine is all blackberry, cherry, and black currant on the nose and palate. Notes of plum and leather follow through an easy medium length finish.

2014 Hands Up Red for $15.50

This unique blend of Frontenac Noir, Marquette, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot smells like a cherry orchard in summer surrounded by raspberry bushes. You will also notice savory aromas like dried thyme and mushroom. This is the perfect drink to pair with just-caught salmon, roast chicken or anything fresh off the grill. Hands Up Red offers light and silky tannins with fresh flavours and bright acidity.

Giddy Up for $29.99

A light and refreshing red with hints of raspberry, red currant, tobacco, and crushed leaf litter. Delicate tannins and bright flavours with palette cleansing acidity.

Privato Vineyard & Winery:

2013 Pinot Noir for $23.99

Nose: On the nose you get lovely aromas of ripe strawberries, fresh doris plums, sweet blackberries all set on the background of a subtle layer of oak.

Mouth: Bursting with rich flavors of strawberries, Doris plus, and blackberry jam with a subtle toasted oak finish. A lively soft supple palate lends this wine to be drunk early or savor for up to 3 years.

Harper’s Trail:

2014 Merlot for $20.49

Sourced from Cerqueira Vineyard in the South Okanagan, this Merlot is a big, full-bodied and spicy example of wine – yet jammy with raspberry, cherry and soft tannins. This is a classic wine for steak and barbeque.

2014 Cabernet Franc $25.99

Aromas of fresh blackberries, almonds, and bread dough. The palate is medium bodied, fresh, structured, and fruity, with caramel notes. The tannins are soft on the finish, but strong enough to deliver an excellent steak wine. A great match to grilled meats, sausages, BBQ, and tomato pastas.

‘Tis the season for sharing! Why not share some delicious local wines from the Thompson Valley wine region?