This is a guest post by John Adam.
British Columbia (BC) is well-known for its thriving wine industry, with its picturesque vineyards nestled in regions like the Okanagan Valley. What most individuals are unaware of is the fact that the triumph of BC wine scene is pegged on a crop of inspiring, creative women who have achieved success in breaking barriers and reimagining the rules of the trade. Winemakers, vineyard owners as well as business amigos, the women in wine BC has become the eye of the wine revolution in the province. In this post, we will discuss the powerful women who are changing BC wine industry and why their impact keeps increasing.
A Strong Foundation of Female Leadership in BC Wine
Wine industry in BC is young and dynamic and it has undertook major lead in growth through women. Women have been behind the scene over the decades with the necessary skills relating to viticulture, winemaking, and wine marketing. Nevertheless, last several years have seen an extraordinary number of women entering the leadership roles and being a part of prosperous wineries, playing a prominent role within the industry in general.
Okanagan Valley is regarded as the most important wine growing area in BC and many women have taken ownership of small and big wine wineries. They have taken the wines in the region to a level of success internationally owing to their profound interest in craft, and a dedication mind towards sustainability.
Sandra Oldfield: A Trailblazer for Women in Wine
Sandra Oldfield is one of the most remarkable innovators in the wine industry of B.C. because she is the founder and former head of the Tinhorn Creek vineyards. The career of Sandra is an accurate indication of how women can succeed even in a male dominated profession. She has played a pivotal role in making Tinhorn Creek a household name in the wine industry of BC and her commitment towards quality, innovation, and looking after the community has brought her to large scale recognition. Oldfield’s path to success wasn’t without its challenges. People proved doubtful towards her because they did not believe a woman could take a winery to victory. However, Sandra’s perseverance and visionary approach proved them wrong. Her role in the development of the wine sector in the Okanagan Valley cannot be denied, and she still inspires the new wave of female winemakers.
Jacqueline Kuepfer: Passion for Sustainability
Jacqueline Kuepfer, co-owner, and winemaker of the Bench 1775 Winery is another figure of influence in the BC wine industry. Jacqueline has a passion of sustainable viticulture and will combine her agricultural environment, coupled with a progressive approach to winemaking. In the winery, Bench 1775, she steers the program of developing environmentally-friendly wine using its all-embracing approach to the quality of the Okanagan Valley terroir.
Jacqueline’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in her farming practices, which focus on preserving the health of the land and producing wines that truly capture the essence of their surroundings. She is not the only woman in BC leading the way to making the wine industry more environmentally friendly and therefore guaranteeing the women living in the area that their future children will also be able to enjoy the wines produced in the area without the damage to the environment.
Empowering Women in BC’s Wine Community
Though the names of Sandra Oldfield and Jacqueline Kuepfer can be mentioned as the positive examples of women in the BC wine industry; they are not exceptional. An expanding network of women is coming together to support each other so they can achieve business success and bring change within the industry. An all-important part inestablishing mentorship, networking, and professional growth opportunities is to be got through Women in Wine BC, an organization that intends to support women in every facet of the wine business.
Women in Wine BC is assisting in the creation of a more welcoming and diverse wine industry by being the platform that can unite women, allow them to share resources and encourage them to market their companies. The organization has also been involved in raising the profile of women in the wine world so that they are heard and their contribution given some pride.
The Business Side: Women Shaping Wine Tourism
Besides wine production, women are also conquering the wine tourism industry and marketing. The Wine Diva founder, Catherine Langlois, has made a great difference in the bottle business of the Okanagan Valley. Catherine, through her company, has beenable to expose local wines to the consumers as well as help introduce tourists and consumers to the best wines in BC through the design of personal wine experiences, wines tasting and advertising local wineries. The work by Langlois has led thousands of people to discover various wine products in BC and made the wine tourism industry in the province blossom. It has the hallmark of the entrepreneurial headings that the women of BC wine possess through their willingness to make a difference through education and community building.
The Growing Presence of Women in BC’s Wine Industry
The fact that more women have entered the wine industry, especially in BC is an indication of the wider social transformation that have created opportunity to see women become leaders in various fields. As women continue to venture into winemaking, vineyard management and wine-related businesses, the BC wine industry is set to fare better than ever. They not only dominate the wines that they manufacture but they also add progressive ideas to sustainability, diversity, and innovation.
The story of wine in BC is still to be written as this industry continues to develop and prosper. What is certain is that leadership and ingenuity of women involved in this industry will continue to inspire the generations to come. The power and perseverance of women in wine has become a definite asset towards success and expansion of wine industry in BC and their influence is sure to be felt in the industry even many years in into the future.
List of other BC Female Winemakers
My apologies in advance for any winemakers missed from the list.
- Mary McDermott – Township 7 Vineyards & Winery (Langley and Okanagan) Winemaker since 2014, known for the Benchmark Series (e.g., 2019 Muscat, 2018 Syrah) and exceptional Rieslings, emphasizing sustainable viticulture and meticulous winemaking. Her work showcases the Naramata Bench’s terroir.
- Brook Jesus – Hester Creek Estate Winery (Okanagan) Winemaker at Hester Creek, contributing to the winery’s reputation for high-quality wines along the Golden Mile Bench, particularly known for robust reds and vibrant whites.
- Alison Moyes – Solvero Wines (Okanagan, Garnet Valley) Winemaker and General Manager since 2021, Alison holds a degree in Oenology and Viticulture from Brock University (2009) and has over 15 years of cool-climate winemaking experience. She crafts premium Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Rosé, focusing on minimal intervention to express Garnet Valley’s terroir. Previously at Liquidity Winery, she’s noted for her scientific approach and sustainability focus.
- Stacy Hornemann – Blue Grouse Estate Winery (Vancouver Island, Cowichan Valley) Lead winemaker since May 2024, Stacy oversees production for Blue Grouse and Quill brands. With experience at Jackson Family Wines’ Stonestreet Estate and Trefethen Family Vineyards, she uses traditional and modern techniques (e.g., Charmat method for sparkling wines) to craft cool-climate varietals like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
- Keira LeFranc – Stag’s Hollow Winery (Okanagan Falls) Winemaker and Director of Operations since July 2018, Keira earned a Biological Sciences degree (University of Alberta, 2013) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Wine Science (University of Auckland). Starting as a cellar hand at Stag’s Hollow in 2017, she was promoted after a standout 2018 harvest, producing six wines in the Renaissance Series. Her Syrahs (e.g., 2018 Renaissance and White Label) are acclaimed, and she was shortlisted for the 2023 International Wine & Spirit Competition Emerging Talent in Wine. Her science-driven approach blends with a sensory passion for wine.
- Lynzee Schatz – Time Family of Wines (Time Winery, Evolve Cellars, McWatters Collection; Penticton, Okanagan) Head winemaker since 2019 for Five Vines Cellars, crafting small-batch wines for Time Winery, Evolve Cellars, and McWatters Collection. Raised in the Okanagan, Lynzee began as a cellar hand at Summerhill Pyramid Winery at 18 and earned a Bachelor of Wine Science from Charles Sturt University (Australia). She gained experience at Pisoni Vineyards (California), Yeringberg (Australia), and Tawse Winery (Ontario). Her wines, like Time Winery’s Meritage, reflect a balance of art and science, adapting to each vintage’s unique conditions.
- Heidi Noble – JoieFarm Winery (Okanagan) Proprietor and winemaker, Heidi combines her culinary background and WSET certification to craft ripe, fruit-forward wines like Pinot Noir and aromatic whites, reflecting the Okanagan’s terroir.
- Severine Pinte – Le Vieux Pin Winery and LaStella Winery (Okanagan) French-born winemaker managing both wineries, Severine specializes in Syrah and Viognier, bringing a European perspective to the Okanagan. She notes Canada’s progressive environment for women in winemaking, with 85% of cellar master applicants being female.
- Melissa Smits – Intersection Estate Winery (Oliver, Okanagan) Head winemaker and vineyard manager, Melissa started in Niagara and worked in New Zealand, Australia, and Penticton before settling at Intersection. Previously at Burrowing Owl, she managed vineyard crews and now crafts creative, offbeat wines, leveraging the Okanagan’s unique terroir.
- Sandy Leier – Sandhill Wines (Okanagan) Stepped into the winemaker role after Howard Soon’s retirement in 2017, Sandy’s background in chemistry and microbiology informs her precise approach. She crafts award-winning wines, continuing Sandhill’s legacy of quality reds and whites.
- Gina Fernandes Harfman – Owner and winemaker at Nostalgia Wines (formerly Oliver Twist Winery) on the Black Sage Bench in Oliver. A fourth-generation South Okanagan farmer, Harfman has led Nostalgia since 2012, producing small-lot wines across three tiers: Family Collection, Nostalgia Series, and Pin-Up Series. Her background in fine arts and pinstriping influences her creative approach, and she’s known for varietals like Kerner, Merlot, and expressive blends.
- Val Tait – Winemaker at Gold Hill Winery in Oliver. Tait’s passion for sensory science and her global experience in vineyards from New Zealand to Argentina shape her work, particularly with Cabernet Franc. She emphasizes terroir-driven wines and is a key figure in the South Okanagan’s “sisterhood” of female winemakers.
- Catherine Coulombe – Co-owner and winemaker at vinAmité Cellars in Oliver. Coulombe produces smooth, approachable wines and collaborates with other women like Harfman, sourcing Viognier grapes from Nostalgia Wines. Her tasting room emphasizes a welcoming, “friend’s kitchen” vibe.
Conclusion: Raising a Glass to BC’s Women Winemakers
The contributions of women in BC’s wine industry are truly remarkable. From running successful wineries to advocating for sustainability and environmental responsibility, women have helped shape the province’s wine industry into what it is today. Their passion, creativity, and leadership have made BC a leader in the global wine market.
Next time you pour yourself a glass of BC wine, take a moment to appreciate the women who have made it possible. Their stories serve as a reminder that the wine industry, like any other, thrives when it embraces diversity and encourages collaboration. Let’s raise a glass to BC’s women in wine—past, present, and future.
Author’s Bio
John Adam is a travel writer specializing in premium transport in the UAE, offering
expert insights on how to rent a car with a driver in Dubai for smooth, luxury travel.