Bring the kids and your pup to this Christmas tree farm, which is situated on the same land as Privato Vineyard and Winery and Woodward Cider Co.
Image Credit: FACEBOOK / Woodward Christmas Trees
December 08, 2019 - 12:00 PM
It’s the time for the holiday tradition of finding the perfect Christmas tree, but how about one that pairs perfectly with wine, cider and even a hay ride?
Privato Vineyard and Winery and Woodward Cider Co. in Kamloops are best known for their beverages, but it actually started as a tree farm when it was originally bought in the late ‘80s, according to tasting room manager Kristin Borle. Borle says one of the owners, John Woodward, had a history of working in the forestry industry, and he and his wife Debbie began farming things such as hay, ginseng and various coniferous trees over the years.
“I think it’s pretty unique to Privato that it happens to be on a tree farm. They didn’t start the winery until 2013…. they were looking at venturing to a new thing and decided to take on the wine after a trip to Italy inspired them,” Borle says.
You can enjoy wine and cider tastings throughout the week, and choose the perfect tree while you’re there. Woodward Christmas Trees, the cidery and the winery are operated independently, so you’ll want to wander to each location to get a full experience. Dog owners are welcome to bring their four-legged family members along, as long as they are leashed.
“Our goal is to bring people together,” Borle says. “Family, friends, the tradition of getting together with your loved ones, getting together and sharing the special tradition out here with us has always been our goal… to focus on togetherness, tradition and starting new things.”
If you want to make the experience a little more traditional, visit on the weekend, when you and the family can take a hayride to the tree farm, relax by bonfires and sip hot apple cider made by Woodward Cider Co. There is also a food truck nearby on the weekends, with Ken’s Catering serving for the remaining weekends in December.
“Every weekend we’ll have a food truck… the cidery is pouring hot apple cider to have by the bonfire, there’s hayrides and all of that. You’re welcome to come and enjoy the festivities whether you’re getting a tree or not,” Borle says.
There are saws on-site if you want to cut down your favourite tree, or skip the dirty work and pick up one which is pre-cut.
Visit them at 5505 Westsyde Road between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. seven days a week.
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