After 16 years in the wine business, the owners of Harper’s Trail Winery have put their business up for sale and announced a plan to retire.

It’s not the first time Ed and Vicki Collett have thought about retiring – or that the winery has been for sale – though this time it might be for real.

The Collett’s plan to open the winery’s tasting room in May to celebrate their final vintage which will coincide with the release of 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,” Ed Collett said, in a news release. “Despite the hard work and challenges along the way, we wouldn’t change a thing.

“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 bought the property at 2761 Shuswap Road in 2007 and planted the first vineyard block in 2008. Harper’s Trail opened its doors in 2012, and has grown to produce 5,000 cases per year on the property’s 25.5-acre vineyard.

They’re hoping to find a “reputable successor” to takeover the winery, though the asking price has not been publicly disclosed.

“It’s definitely bittersweet,” Vicki Collett added. “Although we are excited to retire and ready to move on to the next stage of our lives, we really enjoy welcoming guests to the winery and take great pride in introducing people to the quality of wines from this region. We will miss that.”

“We have immense gratitude for our staff, our loyal customers, and industry stakeholders who have supported us along this journey.”

Kamloops Winery Association Executive Director, Trish Morelli, says the Colletts have helped put the Kamloops Thompson Valley on the wine map.

“In the creation of Harper’s Trail, the Colletts have been instrumental in the development and credibility of the Thompson Valley wine region,” Morelli said. “They have proven to the wine world the quality of wines coming from this region. This is the legacy they leave.”

Harper’s Trail will be open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in May, with happy hour specials, along with live music on Fridays.