For many years, I’ve known Privato Winery in Kamloops for their premium Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines. But times change as original family-owned winery owners bow out, and the winery is either taken over by their children, sold to someone outside the family, or the winery is shut down. For Privato, the winery has been transitioned over to their children, who have their own ideas to expand Privato beyond its original wine creations.
On the same trip that I went to visit Fort Berens Estate Winery in Lillooet, I continued up Hwy 99 to Kamloops to visit Privato Winery and its new owners. Let me tell you about it and the wines and ciders I tasted.
Business Transition and Leadership
Privato Winery has recently entered a new chapter, with a formal transition in leadership. As of April 1st, Ben, the son of co-founders John and Debbie Woodward, has officially taken over the reins of the business. This shift marks the culmination of thoughtful succession planning, allowing for a smooth handover of responsibilities. Ben’s increased role signals not just a generational shift, but a new energy and perspective to drive the winery forward, building upon the strong foundation laid by his parents.
Product Development and Branding
Innovation and market responsiveness are clear priorities at Privato, where both wine (as Privato Winery) and cider programs (as Woodward Cider Co.) continue to evolve. The winery made the strategic decision to consolidate their tasting experiences into a single space, ensuring focus and efficiency in hospitality operations. On the cider front, a move away from glass bottles to more portable cans reflects modern consumer preferences, particularly for outdoor and on-the-go occasions. Kits Beach comes to mind.
Noble Graft: Cider with a Winemaker’s Touch
One of the standout projects is the Noble Graft line of ciders, launched about two years ago. This brand represents a deliberate fusion of winemaking and cider making techniques. The name pays homage to the place, Noble Creek, and practice, with “graft” symbolizing the blending of two disciplines. These ciders are crafted from true cider apples, such as Golden Russet and Dabinette, rather than common dessert varieties. Aged for approximately nine months in oak and wine barrels, Noble Graft ciders are positioned as more premium offerings. Most apples are estate-grown, though some, like Dabinette, are sourced externally during off years in the varietal’s natural biennial cycle. I did not get a chance to try these ciders, but hope to in the near future.
For broader retail appeal, Privato has developed a range of flavoured ciders. Salted Lime, described as a “margarita flavour,” was launched with Save-On-Foods and has proven to be a crowd-pleaser. Building on that success, Sunburst Orange and Black Currant Lemonade were introduced more recently, with the latter debuting in May. These ciders are dry in style, using real fruit infusions without added sugars or artificial flavourings; an intentional departure from the overly sweet norm. According to Ben, the Black Currant Lemonade, in particular, has quickly become a fan favourite.
Wine Offerings: Tradition and Accessibility
Privato’s wine portfolio remains rooted in tradition while exploring modern branding approaches. The “Privy” brand was created to engage younger, less experienced wine drinkers, offering a lighter, more playful design aesthetic meant to stand out on store shelves. These wines are primarily developed for outside sales rather than the tasting room. Labels such as Lover Rosé and Whispering White are crafted with approachability in mind. The 2023 Lover Rosé, a blend of Merlot and Frontenac Blanc, carries a VQA designation, while the 2024 vintage will be made from Washington grapes.
The Whispering White is a slightly sweeter alternative to Privato’s Pinot Gris, crafted to be easy-drinking and fruit-forward. Meanwhile, the traditional wine program continues to highlight the estate’s strengths. The Pinot Noir, known as the lightest red in the lineup, is aged for 18 months in French oak and remains a flagship wine. Merlot provides a richer, fuller-bodied red option.
While the Thompson Valley’s climate poses challenges for certain vinifera varietals like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the winery has found success with others, like Marechal Foch. The temporary use of Washington grapes, done after a difficult growing season, is done transparently, with Privato ensuring their wines still meet the standards for the Thompson Valley VQA designation when possible.
Winemaking and Staff
To support their growing operations and evolving product lines, Privato has brought on a new winemaker, Liam Bertie, formerly of Backyard Vineyards in Langley. His addition brings a fresh perspective and technical expertise to the cellar team. One area where Liam will likely have influence is the winery’s sparkling program. Privato currently produces a sparkling rosé using the frizzante method, employing the same pressure tanks used for their ciders. In a nod to consumer preference, the winery has recently shifted from a crown cap to a traditional cork closure for this sparkling wine, lending it a more classic and celebratory presentation.
My Wine and Cider Tasting Notes
Wines
Privato Winery Pinot Gris 2024 (WA grapes) (BC $21.99) – a medium lemon colour. Medium intensity aromas of toast, apples and pears. It is dry, medium-plus body with a lean mouthfeel. Pears, apples, and apple skin flavour plus a touch of oak. Softer acidity. Medium length. 
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Privato Winery Privy Whispering White 2024 (BC $19.99) – a blend of 75% Pinot Gris and 25% Viognier. It has a medium lemon colour. Medium aromas of toast and stoniness. It is dry, medium-plus body, with a smooth, soft mouthfeel. Stone fruits and stoniness on the palate with a touch of citrus, pepperiness, and berry leaf on the finish. –
Privato Winery Rosé 2024 (WA grapes) (BC $24.99) – A lighter orange-rose petal colour in the glass. A light, toasty strawberry nose. Medium body with a smooth, thicker mouthfeel. Strawberry, strawberry leaf and a touch of toast on the palate. Medium-plus length. –
Privato Winery Privy Lover Rosé 2023 (BC $21.99) – a blend of Merlot and Frontenac Blanc grapes. This wine has a medium-plus intensity orange colour. It is quite flinty plus some red fruit aromas. Dry, medium body with a light acidic prickle and a touch of tannins. Red fruits, strawberries and flintiness on the palate. Some bitterness on the finish.
Privato Winery Pinot Noir 2022 (BC $32.99) – A very translucent, medium garnet colour. Very aromatic, showing dill, red fruits and red cherries. Medium body with a lean mouthfeel. High acidity and light tannins. Quite tart with red fruit flavours and a touch of oak and some bitterness. Buy and hold for a few years to let the acidity soften.
Privato Winery Merlot 2021 (BC $29.99) – A deeper, clear, garnet colour. Light aromas of cherries and oak. It is dry, has a medium-plus body with a smooth, round, thicker mouthfeel. Ripe cherries, oak, and a touch of capsicum flavours. Medium intensity dusty tannins. Medium length, finishing with some pepperiness and a mix of tart cherries and black cherries. –
Ciders
These are my cider tasting notes, without a rating. Pricing is in the Where to Buy section.
Woodward Cider Co Blue Tractor Modern Dry Cider – “The old blue tractor was an icon around the farm growing up and still is today.” This is their driest cider. It has a medium body with crisp, Delicious apple flavour. Medium acidic prickle. Creamy, medium-sized bubble. Some flinty note on the nose and palate.
Woodward Cider Co Wolfberry Cider – “This delightful blend combines the power-packed benefits of Gojiberry, also known as Wolfberry, with the tangy allure of pomegranate and the vibrant essence of blueberry.” This cider has a medium cherry colour. Nice fruit, red cherry and candied red cherry aromas. Dryish to lightly sweet. Red fruits, floral, cranberries, and candied cherry flavours. Refreshing taste. Dry with a short finish. A tasty cider.
Woodward Cider Co Salted Lime Cider – If you like to drink margaritas, you should enjoy this cider. It has lots of lime on the nose and on the palate. Has a gin-like flavour. Medium acidity and medium acidic prickle. Tiny bubbles with some saltiness. Medium length.
Woodward Cider Co Black Currant Lemonade Cider – It has a light berry colour. Light berry and flint on the nose. Medium sweetness with creamy bubble. Floral, lemon and purple berry fruit flavours. A dry finish.
Where Can I Buy These Wines and Ciders?
You can purchase both wines and ciders from the Privato Winery website. Their estate wines are also available at select Save on Foods stores. The Salted Lime and Blue Tractor ciders are available at BC Liquor stores.
All the 473ml single cans which includes Blue Tractor and Wolfberry are $6.75 each. If you buy 4 or more they are $6.00 each and if you buy a 12 or more they are $5 each.
The Salted Lime, Sunburst Orange and Black Currant Lemonade 4x250ml packs are $16.00 each, and if you buy 3 packs or more they are $14.75 each. If you buy 6 or more 4 packs, they are $13.50 each.
All the Noble Graft 750ml ciders are $22.99 each.
