Pam’s family immigrated to Vancouver from Manchester, England in 1964
After a brief career in banking, Pam chose the more adventurous life of a flight attendant (not Pan-Am) which was cut short when she met Mick. Bringing up their two boys, Matt and Joe, while working side by side with Mick in the family companies in Nanaimo and then Edmonton, kept Pam busy until moving to the South Okanagan.
During their tour of wine regions in New Zealand, and subsequently the South Okanagan, Pam was intrigued and smitten with the aura surrounding the wine industry. With the growth of the winery, Pam now has more time to spend in the wine shop and winery lounge, doing what she enjoys best: chatting with customers and serving wine.
Biggest learning and/or misconception?
How much the time investment would be.
Advice to others wanting to do the same thing?
Be careful about the financial investment and be realistic. Making homemade wine does not prepare you for winemaking! Be prepared that you won’t have much free time for years.
Hopes?
One day to be able to sell enough wine to afford a separate house off the property. At least 3,000 square feet, well-designed with a guest cottage and swimming pool!
Dreams?
That one or both of the boys will come in to take over the winery.
To develop economies of scale so that the best people (ours) will eventually be able to run the winery for us.
Best thing about owning/operating a winery?
Everyone thinks you’re wonderful when they come into your winery. It seems to be many people’s secret dream to do the same. I’ve never had an experience where people felt what I did was so wonderful. The vineyards are so serene.
Worst thing?
Not as much downtime as we’d like.
Bureaucracy!
Thoughts on where you are now on the process?
I’m enjoying myself. I really like being on the front line, it’s a very diverse job – lots of paperwork and politics, the learning curve never seems to quit. I enjoy what I’m doing more than anything I’ve ever done. Not having time off isn’t really that big of a deal because I’m happy where I am.
Thoughts on the team you are working with?
They are fantastic. Really loyal employees make a big difference. There’s camaraderie and no lack of trust, which makes it simple to work on an honour system.
How do you feel about the wines that you are making?
Excited as all get out! We make good wines. It’s very gratifying to get positive comments.
Our wines are always getting better due to fruit quality, standards and Michael our winemaker.
Best thing about living in South Okanagan?
Consistently nice weather in the summer. Just knowing that I can get up in the morning, every morning, put on a T-shirt and shorts and not have to run back in for another layer.
Boards and Associations?
South Okanagan Winery Association
Banée of Oliver
Okanagan Wine Festival Society