Editor香蕉视频直播檚 note: In 2020 it should be no surprise that more and more woman hold positions of power. Whether it香蕉视频直播檚 business, politics, sports or the non-profit sector, woman continue to achieve new milestones. This story is part of a series of stories highlighting 16 women in Kelowna who are leaders in their fields. You can read all of their stories in our annual publication called Women in Business in the Feb. 28 issue of 香蕉视频直播.
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Twenty years ago, Heather Courtney had no idea that she wanted to begin a career in the wine industry.
Fast forward two decades later, and she香蕉视频直播檚 now the general manager of O香蕉视频直播橰ourke香蕉视频直播檚 Peak Cellars in Lake Country.
While Courtney said moving to Vancouver from Powell River helped to advance her career in hospitality, and one particular moment helped to spark her passion for wine.
香蕉视频直播淒uring a wine tasting at a Delta hotel, I remember I tried a Riesling wine and it really stood out to me,香蕉视频直播� said Courtney.
香蕉视频直播淎s I tried more varietals, I realized there was more to it than just red or white wines. Further, into my career, it became more of a fascination that led to pairing wine with food.香蕉视频直播�
She later moved to the Okanagan from Vancouver to have more job opportunities in the wine sector.
Since Courtney joined the O香蕉视频直播橰ourke winery in her new role last summer, she香蕉视频直播檚 helped to grow the business to nearly 60 employees during peak season. Courtney is also helping to open a second 100-acre winery under the O香蕉视频直播橰ourke name at Carrs Landing in Lake Country, which is slated to open in the next few years.
Even with all her experience, Courtney admits there have been some challenges operating the world-renowned O香蕉视频直播橰ourke winery.
香蕉视频直播淏eing out in the far end of the valley in Lake Country, our colder climate white wines do much better,香蕉视频直播� she said.
香蕉视频直播淭he challenge is that people have an expectation that you can make any kind of wine anywhere in B.C.香蕉视频直播�
Another challenge for Courtney has been getting people to visit the winery from surrounding areas.
香蕉视频直播淲e香蕉视频直播檙e in between Vernon and Kelowna and sometimes people think its too much of a drive to visit us.香蕉视频直播�
When it comes to working in the wine industry, she said there are a few tips she香蕉视频直播檚 learned over the years to be successful.
香蕉视频直播淗ospitality isn香蕉视频直播檛 just a nine to five. Sometimes you don香蕉视频直播檛 get off until 1 a.m. when you host a conference. You have to take care of yourself and to not overdo it when working those hours,香蕉视频直播� said Courtney.
香蕉视频直播淵ou also have to be passionate about your work. I love taking care of guests and taking care of my staff.香蕉视频直播�
Courtney said the O香蕉视频直播橰ourke winery has also helped to produce more female leaders in the industry.
香蕉视频直播淲e actually have two female winemakers on our team, including Nikki Callaway and Stephanie Stanley.
香蕉视频直播淲e香蕉视频直播檙e very female strong which is pretty cool.香蕉视频直播�
Callaway holds a Master in Enology from the Universite de Bordeau in France and has worked in a variety of wine regions in the country. Stanley holds a Bachelor of Science from Brock University and has worked at various wineries in the Okanagan.
When the second O香蕉视频直播橰ourke winery opens up it will grow Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines.
connor.trembley@kelownacapnews.com
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