In honour of International Women’s Day, we are celebrating the passionate, talented and industrious women at Quails’ Gate who are truly dedicated to their craft.
Three generations have helped to build Quails’ Gate into the award-winning winery that exists today. The pursuit of viticultural and winemaking excellence has remained the driving force behind everything we do. As one of Canada’s foremost family-owned estate wineries, we have shaped the development of the wine industry for more than six decades, focusing on making the Okanagan Valley a premium wine and culinary destination.
Our success is a result of the dedication and passion of our people. Meet some of the women from our Wine Shop and Old Vines Restaurant, who are experts in their field, are passionate about the future of Canadian VQA wine and bring inspiration and innovation to the forefront.
Jody Gorski
Wine Shop Manager
I love working with people; whether it’s welcoming guests onsite and sharing our passion for wine to working cohesively with so many talented colleagues with different expertise at the winery. Our industry is continuously evolving; I feel like every day you can learn something new and that’s exciting.
I really enjoy our 2019 Dijon Clone Pinot Noir or our 2020 Richard’s Block Pinot Noir 2020. I love the combination of Dijon clones and how each clone can bring a different profile to the wine; Pinot noir is so versatile for food pairings also or perfect on its own.
Julia Wolfram
Assistant Wine Shop Manager
I love being able to work in an industry that brings in some of the best guests. I get to meet with people from all over the world and help to make their experiences at Quails’ Gate one they will remember forever. I also get to work with some of the most talented and kind people while learning about wine in the Okanagan.
Favourite Quails’ Gate Wine: Our Stewart Family Reserve Pinot Noir. So complex yet balanced. I love this wine with lamb and with mushroom risotto. I love showing this one off to friends.
Louise Dabisza
Senior Sommelier
I love connecting with our guests and team. There is nothing like seeing and feeling the connection we make through our wines and working alongside such talented individuals. We have such an open industry. We are never alone. So much collaboration and sharing of information. It always amazes me that by our sharing of knowledge and wine experience, we build such positive lifelong connections.
I’m inspired by Madame Clicquot. Imagine being a woman in the 1800s and all the obstacles of being a 26-year-old widow during those times. Then moving on to building one of the world’s most renowned champagne houses and becoming the world’s first international businesswoman. Her quote “The world is in perpetual motion, and we must invent the things of tomorrow. Act with audacity.” Bravo Madame!
Favourite Quails’ Gate wine: Our Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay and Rosemary’s Block Chardonnay are true examples of the excellence at Quails’ Gate and in our industry. Elegant, rich, depth and complexity – true expressions of the good things in life.
Jennifer Davenport
Assistant Restaurant Manager, Old Vines Restaurant
I love having the ability to enhance or improve someone’s day, whether it is by creating the most memorable anniversary for a couple, a special birthday or turning a bad day into a great one. Or maybe even introducing someone to our experience for the first time.
We have a really amazing group of women here at Quails’ Gate from all different departments. Every moment I am surrounded by positive, beautiful, genuine women. I guess this is my favourite part of working here.
Favourite Quails’ Gate wine: Our Rosemary’s Block Chardonnay. Any vintage – but currently 2017. It is so elegant and unlike any other Chardonnay I have ever had. Named after the matriarch of the Stewart family, Rosemary, who is such a beautiful lady who must have been an incredible mother, the Stewart family is so wonderful.
Kate Hoppe
Pastry Chef, Old Vines Restaurant
I love to create new and unique desserts for each seasonal menu that guests can enjoy with our lovely wines here at Old Vines Restaurant. I especially love learning how to pair all of my creations with wine.
Working in what is traditionally a male-dominated industry, I’ve been inspired by all the women around me over the years just in everyday kitchen life putting in the hard work and showing their passion for food regardless of the kitchen or the chefs around them. They didn’t allow their position to affect their love of the art of food and that I have always found inspiring.
Favourite Quails’ Gate wine: I would have to pick the Distinction Collection, Clone 49 Riesling. It’s bright, fresh and very enjoyable just on its own or with food but lovely either way on a hot Okanagan summer day.
Lizzie Boyle
Chef De Partie, Old Vines Restaurant
I grew up in the Okanagan, I started my culinary career surrounded but the bounty of the valley. I knew that I would end up working in the industry; with all the passion that food and wine bring together.
I love the challenge of pairing the food we make with the beautiful wine we produce Quails’ Gate. It can be even more of a challenge when working with pastries as you always have to account for the sweetness in the dessert.
I have had the pleasure of working with countless inspirational women, many as mentors, but even more colleagues and friends. Always pushing and encouraging each other to learn and believe in ourselves.
Favourite Quails’ Gate wine: My favourite is the Rosemary’s Block Chardonnay. Chardonnay can be an intimidating wine, some can find it too oaky, but the Rosemary’s Block has beautiful oaky buttery notes with this subtle crispness. The wine-making team does such a fantastic job creating.
This International Women’s Day celebrate the women in your life with a bottle of Quails’ Gate Wine. Visit us at the Wine Shop or online at quailsgate.com.
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