Where is your hometown and where are you located now?
Penticton
What did you take at OC/OUC and when did you graduate?
I took the Winery Assistant Program in 1997. It was one of the first years that the course was available. I attended the Penticton campus. Our instructors at the time where Holly Birtwistle in the lab and Gary Strachan on the winemaking end. They really laid the groundwork for a great program which I enjoyed immensely. It is such a small industry, I actually ended up working with Holly at Sumac Ridge Estate where she was our Lab Manager.
What is your job title and who is your employer?
Winemaker at Hester Creek Estate Winery
Why did you choose your program at OC?
At the time wineries were starting to multiply in valley and I thought it would be nice to stay local and simultaneously work in the industry. I would absolutely recommend Ƶ to future students. The Winery Assistant Program laid the groundwork leading to my first industry job with the McWatters Family at Sumac Ridge. The one constant in the industry is change and I think the thing that really attracted me to the winemaking side is the continuous learning curve which never ends.
What were some of your most meaningful memories during your time at OC?
Having Bradley Cooper as my lab partner was a lot of fun. We shared a lot of laughs and learning for sure.
Who was your biggest influence during your time at OC?
I would have to say Gary Strachan as he was very inspirational and passionate about teaching the winemaking process.
What do you think has been the biggest turning point for your career success?
I would have to say the influences along the way… working with and learning from the likes of Mark Wendenburg, Dave Carson, Jason James, JM Bouchard and Rob Summers. When I first joined Hester Creek learning the operation of our Italian “Ganemedi” Style red fermenters…Rob really helped me with the learning curve as they are different than any red fermenters that I had previously worked with – amazingly effective at extraction and gentle on the wine.
How does your current position relate to the program that you took at OC?
It definitely helped me understand the big picture, from farming to sales to winemaking. I actually started in sales and this program absolutely laid the groundwork.
Are there any awards, achievements or activities that you would like to highlight?
In 2016, our team won the B.C. Lieutenant Governor’s award for our Hester Creek 2013 Syrah/ Viognier that was definitely a highlight. I would say overall, it is our customers choosing our wines on a daily basis where I draw the most sense of accomplishment.
What advice would you pass on to current/future students?
Realize that it takes great fruit, great farming and lots of patience. Prioritizing day to day is so important, stay humble because weather and nature are always boss and most importantly you never stop learning…every vintage, every barrel and every harvest is different.
When you’re not working, what are you doing?
Fly Fishing, definitely fly fishing!
The Ƶ Alumni Association (OCAA) is a non-profit organization that celebrates alumni by creating connections and opportunities.
The OCAA was founded in 1988. Since then, the goal of the Association has been to connect alumni with each other and with the College, while supporting the College's mission statement of transforming lives and communities.
The OCAA offers benefits and networking opportunities to OC graduates and celebrates them by sharing their stories and recognizing their achievements through awards such as the Distinguished & Young Alumni Awards.
Know an alumni doing great things? We want to hear about them. Contact us, alumni@okanagan.bc.ca.