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My Wine Is Amazing!
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My Wine Is Amazing!
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720px Wide x 640px Height – “It’s important to approach a role like this with humility,” adds Renée, “and with the knowledge that I am a part of an ongoing story-that I am contributing to the legacy of a great winery.”
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720px Wide x 640px Height – “It’s important to approach a role like this with humility,” adds Renée, “and with the knowledge that I am a part of an ongoing story-that I am contributing to the legacy of a great winery.”
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720px Wide x 640px Height – “It’s important to approach a role like this with humility,” adds Renée, “and with the knowledge that I am a part of an ongoing story-that I am contributing to the legacy of a great winery.”
1550
Convinced by Benjamin Franklin and under the sponsorship of Thomas Jefferson’s merchant friend John Adams, on September 2nd, 1773 an Italian viticulturist from Tuscany named Filippo Mazzei (or Philip Mazzei) set off to Virginia with European vines. Mazzei was headed to Augusta County, where the Virginia Legislature had promised him land. En route, Mazzei and Adams s
1600
Convinced by Benjamin Franklin and under the sponsorship of Thomas Jefferson’s merchant friend John Adams, on September 2nd, 1773 an Italian viticulturist from Tuscany named Filippo Mazzei (or Philip Mazzei) set off to Virginia with European vines. Mazzei was headed to Augusta County, where the Virginia Legislature had promised him land. En route, Mazzei and Adams s
1622
Convinced by Benjamin Franklin and under the sponsorship of Thomas Jefferson’s merchant friend John Adams, on September 2nd, 1773 an Italian viticulturist from Tuscany named Filippo Mazzei (or Philip Mazzei) set off to Virginia with European vines. Mazzei was headed to Augusta County, where the Virginia Legislature had promised him land. En route, Mazzei and Adams s
1721
Convinced by Benjamin Franklin and under the sponsorship of Thomas Jefferson’s merchant friend John Adams, on September 2nd, 1773 an Italian viticulturist from Tuscany named Filippo Mazzei (or Philip Mazzei) set off to Virginia with European vines. Mazzei was headed to Augusta County, where the Virginia Legislature had promised him land. En route, Mazzei and Adams s
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Harry McWatters, In Memorium
Considered the grandfather of the modern BC wine industry, Harry had celebrated his 51st BC vintage in 2018. The former CEO and president of Evolve Cellars, TIME Winery, and McWatters Collection, passed away in July 2019.
His legacy is now upheld by his grown children Christa-Lee and Darrien McWatters. Harry’s rich career had taken him through the start-up and ownership of several successful BC wineries.
He was the founding chair of many landmark organizations including the BC Wine Institute, VQA Canada, the BC Wine Information Society, Okanagan Wine Festivals Society, and the BC Hospitality Foundation.
We all #raiseaglassto Harry and all he has done for the industry.
Ron & Shelley Mayert, Owners
As newcomers to the British Columbia wine industry, owners Ron and Shelley Mayert are thrilled to enter the industry and to grow the legacy that the McWatters family has created. They bring fresh eyes and are keen to build relationships with industry partners, valued winery customers, and a family of talented employees.
“The McWatters’ longstanding reputation is irreplaceable, and we will always honour the legacy that Harry, Christa-Lee, and Darrien have brought to the Canadian wine industry,” remarks Ron.
British Columbians through and through, Ron Mayert was born and raised in Summerland. Shelley Mayert grew up on a farm in the Fraser Valley, and the couple now lives in Abbotsford with their family. These BC-born roots are why the Mayerts are so passionate about the sustainability of this beautiful region.
Christa-Lee McWatters, General Manager
Daughter of BC Wine legend Harry McWatters, Christa-Lee, as a result of being born into one of the most pioneering wine families in the British Columbia wine industry, has amassed a breadth of experience that covers nearly all aspects of wine sales and marketing.
As an active voice within the Canadian wine industry, Christa-Lee has been involved in many influential organizations. She is chair of Wine Growers BC (formerly the BC Wine Institute) and is a director of the Canadian Vintner’s Association. In addition, she carries on her family legacy by embracing new business opportunities and supporting many charitable causes throughout the Okanagan and beyond.
Known for her love of bubbles and ready smile, Christa-Lee can often be found drinking a glass of something effervescent.
Darrien McWatters, Operations Manager
As production manager for TIME Winery, McWatters Collection, and Evolve Cellars, Darrien oversees packaging, warehousing, shipping, distribution, and bottling for the three labels.
Darrien’s experience in the wine industry began in 1980 with her father on the Black Sage Bench, expanding to management positions in successful wineries across Western Canada. As a side duty, she also serves as an on-call firefighter.
Lynzee Schatz, Winemaker
Lynzee joined the team in 2019 and is the winemaker for TIME Winery, McWatters Collection, and Evolve Cellars.
Schatz has a Bachelor of Wine Science from Charles Sturt University and has completed vintages at several wineries in California, Australia, and Ontario.
After gathering precious experience in other wine regions, she decided to return home to the Okanagan to pursue her winemaking career.
Becky Marte, Controller
Becky began her role as Controller in October 2020. She oversees financial reporting, budgeting, and human resources for Time Family of Wines.
Becky is a driven accounting professional with a strong passion for the local wine industry. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with an Accounting specialty. She has worked in accounting for the past decade with 5 years in the wine industry.
Tom Swope, Restaurant Manager
Born in Japan, with an upbringing in Texas and Louisiana, Tom has followed his twin passions for travel and hospitality around the globe from a young age. His hospitality career began in his early 20s in Bermuda, USA, Maui and Europe, taking him to premier wine regions in Burgundy, Alsace and Mosel, as well as working at historic establishments including The Drake Hotel in Chicago and the Relais & Chateau Waterloo House in Bermuda. A move to the West Coast in the 1990s eventually led him to be the Wine Director & General Manager for Lift Bar & Grill in Coal Harbour followed by Restaurants and Bar Director at one of Vancouver’s premier hotels, the Westin Bayshore, on Vancouver’s waterfront. In the spring of 2022 Thomas joined TIME Winery, saying it was a natural fit, “Looking after folks has been in my nature since childhood and being from the South, gracious hospitality comes naturally. It has also driven my choices regarding workplace. I am always up for cooking and enjoying wine with friends and family.” When not at TIME Family of wines, Tom can be found exploring the beautiful south Okanagan with his partner & rescue dog Teddy, renovating our home, restoring mid-century teak furniture and gardening.
Maja Syska, Lead Cellar Hand
Maja was born in Poland, grew up in the US, and spent her teenage and university years in the UK, before making her way to Canada 3 years ago. She had a serendipitous meeting with winemaker Lynzee while on holiday in the Okanagan, completing harvest 2020 here and returning to a full-time role in Spring 2022. When she’s not in the cellar, Maja spends her time outdoors, hiking, climbing, swimming and horse riding. Her love for hiking has helped her travel the world, from the depths of the Grand Canyon to the tallest mountain in Australia; treks in the Himalayas, and recently trudging the West Coast Trail. Maja loves dogs and horses, and has always made room for them in her life. Maja even used to own an ex-racehorse in the UK, and growing up with her dogs, Whiskey and Sherry, prepared her for the many dogs she’s fostered over the last couple years.
Damian Cole, Head Chef
Head Chef Damian Cole hails from sunny Jamaica and was previously working in a senior capacity at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.
Kelly Mitchell, Hospitality Supervisor
Kelly’s experience in the wine business began over 15 years ago when she shifted gears from the pharmaceutical industry, to follow her passion in food and wine. During her time as an Ontario based resident, she has held roles in Premium On–Premise sales, Regional Key Accounts and National Brand Management.
Her love for the West Coast, recently presented an opportunity for her to join TIME family of wines as our hospitality lead at the District Wine Village, and now Kelly is proud to call BC home. In addition to her work in wine, philanthropy has been at her core for over 35 years, awarding her an Ontario Volunteer Service award, as well as, the LCBO Elsie “Best of” award for community service.
