Westside winery set to open
Man who made millions with online dating site launching winery on property once owned by former B.C. premier
Call it a labour of love. West Kelowna’s newest winery, developed by a man who made a fortune with an online dating site, opens Wednesday.
Frind Estate Winery on Boucherie Road is a venture of Markus Frind, a Vancouverite who started the Plenty of Fish dating website in 2003. He sold it to Match.com in 2015 for $575 million.
“Markus’s main focus is to make money. There’s a reason why he’s a successful businessman,” Frind’s sister-in-law, Sue Kanciar, told West Kelowna city council last October.
“The whole premise of this winery is exclusive. Our wines are not going to be $17. We’re catering to a different demographic,” Kanciar said.
Currently, the winery’s website features products such as a “Premier Chardonnay” for $37.95 and “Premier Riesling” for $28.95.
The winery has been developed on the waterfront property formerly owned by Bill Bennett, who was premier of B.C. from 1975 to 1986. Bennett died in December 2015.
Bennett’s father, W.A.C. Bennett, was also a B.C. premier and, before entering politics, was the president of the Okanagan’s first winery, Calona Wines.
“Frind Estate Winery strives to celebrate and preserve the rich history of this spectacular location,” the company’s website states.
Bennett’s family home is being remodelled as the winery’s tasting room and lounge, but those premises won’t be ready until next spring. For now, the winery will receive visitors in a small area of the production facility.