Meet our Tasting Room Staff

It is our third official season for the tasting room to be open with no appointment necessary.  We are now open daily from 11am to 5pm for you to drop by to taste and purchase our wines. 

I am very fortunate to have a handful of knowledgeable staff to guide you through your wine tasting of Blue Mountain wines and make helpful recommendations for visits to other wineries, events and activities to partake in while visiting the Okanagan Valley. 

I would like to introduce you to some of the personalities behind the tasting bar at Blue Mountain for the 2014 season! 

How did you become interested in wine?

Angela Grant - Although I did take my first wine course over 10 years ago as part of the Hotel and Restaurant Management Program, I think touring the Okanagan really peaked my interest when I saw how much soil, climate and the wine making process can change the way each varietal tastes.

Chantelle Bruwer - I studied Marketing Management in Stellenbosch, South Africa. In my final year of studies I met my (now) husband, Ernst - who's passion for wine & the wine industry had an influence on my career choice.

Heidi Astles - As a former flight attendant, I travelled extensively, and was fortunate to experience different wines from around the world.

Julie Planiden - Growing up in the Okanagan, wine was always in my backyard so to speak.  Then I married a chef and had the opportunity to travel and live in many parts of Canada.  During these years I had many amazing food and wine experiences.

Kornelia Brieke - In the 80's I met Albert Le Comte who introduced me to Gewurztraminer and I have loved wine ever since.

Favorite wine region in the world?

Angela Grant - Call me biased but I love the wines from the Okanagan! Unlike many other wine regions in the world, there are less guidelines, allowing wine makers to be creative and I love how the orchard fruits shine through in them.

Chantelle Bruwer - I'm going to be true to my roots... South Africa. Some of my favourite wine regions in South Africa include Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, the Overberg, Walker Bay, Elim, Constantia & Cape Point.

Heidi Astles - I would have to say Australia, my husband and I have visited all of the wine regions there. We especially enjoyed the Yarra Valley, which is just east of Melbourne.

Julie Planiden - Although I have travelled, I have not visited many wine regions.  So on my bucket list are Champagne, Sancerre, Burgundy, Oregon, Tuscany, Australia, and South Africa. 

Kornelia Brieke - Alsace Region - Rhine in Germany

Favorite Grape Varietal and why?

Angela Grant - Pinot Noir, it makes my favourite red, can be made into sparkling and also Rose.

Chantelle Bruwer - Shiraz, my love for this varietal started when I worked at Raka winery in South Africa.

Heidi Astles - Gamay Noir - It is a great red to drink in its youth, slightly chilled.  Pair it with red meat, or a rich flavourful fish like salmon.

Julie Planiden - Lately I have been drawn to Chardonnay.  I think it is a versatile grape variety, extremely food friendly, think halibut, buttery popcorn, lobster, or nothing at all.  I appreciate that it has so many incarnations, fully oaked, stainless steel fermented, lightly oaked, malolactic fermentation, the list goes on.   

Kornelia Brieke - Gewurztraminer as it has nice tropical fruit flavours, spice and sometimes smokiness.  It goes great with lots of foods.