Mick was born in Port Alberni, BC, in 1950. His background includes sawmills, logging, lumber trading, the building supply business, construction and development.
Mick was, and still is,stressing ove the vines. It is a fact that great grapes makle great wine and to there you have to be diligent. So it is the same as usual: up early and early to be and drive to the end zone.
If you like to chat about the vineyard he's your man – never at a loss for words, he'll make sure you leave with a good understanding of our grape growing process and hopefully a few bottles of wine as well.
Hopes?
To be recognized for the quality and value of the wines we create.
Dreams?
To own and run a good, healthy farm.
For the business to improve over time and be a good, solid base for the Road 13 staff and our sons.
We would love to have both our sons involved with the winery, but we are okay with whatever they choose.
In ten years?
Still at Road 13 Vineyards.
New building, more farmland, new house – all well looked after.
Still working with the same intensity.
Best thing about owning/operating a winery?
Everybody else thinks you’re wonderful.
People hold you in high esteem.
Doing what a lot of people wish they were doing.
Worst thing?
Not being recognized for the true quality and value of our wine.
Thoughts on where you are now on the process?
Marching towards a new infrastructure (new plans, buildings and farms).
Moving towards organic, biodynamic or sustainable farming.
I am not going to get a computer. Our overriding goal, now that our production and branding is starting to fall into place, is to increase our vineyard ownership to ensure that we control grape quality.
Thoughts on the team you are working with?
Awesome!
Trust, trust, trust. We are evolving, increasing and coming and going. Everybody is bringing something to the table and our new winmaker, J-M Bouchard, is over the top!
How do you feel about the wines that you are making?
They can always get better and we can always learn but overall I’m estatic.
We are investing in labour and equipment so that J-M has the
best possible grape quality and winery processing.
Best thing about living in South Okanagan?
Lack of rain!
BC Grapegrowers Association