Kamloops’ First Meadery Opens on Wine Trail
Lion’s Head Meadery, located in Monte Creek, celebrated its grand opening on Saturday, becoming Kamloops’ first meadery and the fourth stop on the Wine Trail. The venture, the result of a six‑year plan by co‑owners Bernita Wienhold‑Leahy and Leroy Harder, offers a range of honey‑based beverages and…
By Felo News Desk · Published
On Saturday, the quiet community of Monte Creek welcomed a new taste of tradition when Lion’s Head Meadery officially opened its doors as Kamloops’ first meadery. The ribbon‑cutting ceremony, attended by local business leaders and tourism officials, marked the culmination of a six‑year journey for co‑owners Bernita Wienhold‑Leahy and her husband, beekeeper Leroy Harder.
From Garage to Glass: The Birth of a Honey Winery
Six years ago, the Wienhold‑Leahy couple relocated to Kamloops with a clear vision: to transform their garage into a working meadery. Their decade‑long experience in crafting mead—a fermented honey beverage that shares similarities with wine—provided the foundation for the venture. Using honey harvested from their own apiaries, they ferment the sweet nectar with fruit and yeast to produce a dry mead that reflects the terroir of the region.
“It’s our retirement plan if you believe not or not,” Wienhold‑Leahy explained to Castanet Kamloops. The couple’s intent is to run a home‑based business that allows them to remain close to the land while enjoying the autonomy of being their own bosses.
Grand Opening and the Wine Trail Connection
The tasting room, which opened earlier in July, was the first step toward a full‑scale operation. The grand opening at 4006 Shuswap Road saw a modest crowd of business and tourism dignitaries, including a ribbon‑cutting ceremony performed by Wienhold‑Leahy and her daughter, who held a pair of scissors in a playful nod to the family‑run nature of the enterprise.
Trish Morelli, executive director of the Kamloops Wineries Association, praised Lion’s Head Meadery as a “great addition to the Wine Trail” and highlighted its uniqueness as Kamloops’ first honey winery. Morelli noted that each stop on the trail offers distinct experiences—different tastings, varied views, and unique offerings—making the addition of a meadery a natural fit.
Future Plans and Seasonal Innovations
Wienhold‑Leahy revealed plans to diversify the product line, including the introduction of carbonated mead and a mulled mead slated for the upcoming Christmas Market. These innovations aim to broaden the appeal of mead to both local patrons and visitors seeking seasonal treats.
Beyond product expansion, the couple envisions the meadery as a community hub where guests can learn about honey production, fermentation, and sustainable agriculture. The location in Monte Creek, a suburb of Kamloops, positions the meadery within reach of the city’s growing tourism corridor.
The Growing Landscape of Kamloops Wine Trail
The Kamloops Wine Trail currently includes Privato, Monte Creek Winery, and Sagewood Winery. Morelli expressed optimism about the trail’s potential, noting that the former Harper’s Trail Winery property is on the market and that there have been recent discussions about cultivating grapes in the Tranquille Creek area—a proposal that, while currently stalled, indicates a broader interest in expanding the region’s viticultural footprint.
With the addition of Lion’s Head Meadery, the trail now offers a broader spectrum of alcoholic beverages, appealing to a wider audience and reinforcing Kamloops’ reputation as a destination for craft drinks.
What’s Next for Lion’s Head Meadery?
While the meadery’s official opening marks a significant milestone, several aspects remain in development. The couple plans to launch a seasonal line of carbonated and mulled meads, and they are exploring opportunities to host tasting events, workshops, and community gatherings. As the meadery establishes itself, it will likely become a staple of the local tourism circuit, drawing visitors from across the province.
For now, guests can enjoy the existing dry mead and experience the unique flavor profile that comes from locally sourced honey and fruit. The meadery’s presence on the Wine Trail promises to enhance the region’s appeal and provide a new destination for both locals and travelers alike.
Key facts
- Lion’s Head Meadery is Kamloops’ first meadery and the fourth stop on the Wine Trail.
- The venture is the result of a six‑year plan by co‑owners Bernita Wienhold‑Leahy and Leroy Harder.
- The meadery plans to expand its product line with carbonated and mulled meads for the holiday season.
- The addition enhances the diversity of offerings on the Kamloops Wine Trail.
- Future growth of the trail is supported by potential new vineyard sites and community interest.
Why it matters
Lion’s Head Meadery’s opening diversifies Kamloops’ craft beverage scene, offering a new honey‑based option that complements the existing wine trail and supports local agriculture.
Frequently asked questions
What is mead and how is it made?
Mead is an alcoholic beverage created by fermenting honey with water, often combined with fruit, spices, or herbs. The mixture is allowed to ferment, producing a drink that can range from sweet to dry.
Where is Lion’s Head Meadery located?
The meadery is located at 4006 Shuswap Road in Monte Creek, a suburb of Kamloops, British Columbia.
Will Lion’s Head Meadery offer tours?
While the article does not confirm tours, the owners have expressed interest in hosting tastings and workshops to educate visitors about honey production and fermentation.
Sources
- [1] castanet.net — originally reported as “First local meadery officially open, adding to Kamloops Wine Trail”
