Harry was instrumental in founding VQA Canada and served as its first chairman. He is the founding chair of the BC Wine Information Society, the BC Hospitality Foundation and numerous festivals and events all focused on the BC wine industry. Harry received an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from Okanagan University College and in 2003 received the prestigious Order of British Columbia for his services to the BC wine industry.

Robert has a strong business background holding Senior Management positions for more than 30 years. During his career Mr. Fraser has built several companies in various industry sectors. Prior to joining the Encore team Mr. Fraser was the Chief Executive Officer of Syntaris Power Corp a position he held for six years. Syntaris is a well known Independent Power Producer in Western Canada.

Bob has over 40 years’ management experience in various businesses with significant concentration in the beverage industry. Since 1970, Bob has held positions of increasing responsibility starting as Divisional Controller at Labatt Breweries, VP of Finance for John Labatt Wine Group, VP and GM at Casabello Wines, Co-Owner and CFO of Sumac Ridge Estate Winery, Sundial Vineyards and Hawthorne Mountain Vineyards.

As an Agricultural Institute Graduate of England, Richard Cleave has been planting and managing vineyards in BC for over 35 years. Richard is a pioneer in the British Columbia wine industry. He is well-recognized as one of British Columbia’s premier grape growers, and a leading authority on viticulture and vineyard management within Canada. Richard is the recipient of both the Okanagan Wine Festival Founders award and the 2008 Banee award.

Christa-Lee has been part of the BC wine industry since birth. Growing up as the daughter of BC wine ambassador Harry McWatters included an upbringing that instilled in her a true appreciation and love of wine. In 1995, Christa-Lee became a sales representative for Sumac Ridge Estate Winery and Hawthorne Mountain Vineyards. She is responsible for all marketing initiatives and on-site hospitality programs