Master winemaker retiring

He’s a pioneer. He’s made history. And he’s made award-winning wines for almost four decades at Sandhill and Calona.

Shortly after celebrating his 65th birthday, master winemaker Howard Soon announced his retirement, effective July 24, from Andrew Peller Limited, the parent company of the Sandhill, Calona, Conviction, Wayne Gretzky and Peller Estates brands.

It was 1980 when Soon joined Calona Wines in Kelowna as winemaker.

With 37 consecutive vintages on his resume, Soon is the longestserving winemaker in Canada.

In 1980, there were only a handful of wineries in the Okanagan and the Valley wasn’t exactly known for quality vintages.

Soon helped change that by working with grape growers to produce exceptional grapes that could be used in his non-interventional approach to make outstanding wines. The industry took notice. Soon became the first B.C. winemaker to craft a vintage awarded a gold medal at the Chardonnay du Monde competition in France.

And in 2009, Sandhill had a clean sweep at the Canadian Wine Awards picking up trophies for best Canadian winery, best red wine and best white wine.

In 1998 Soon was recognized with the Okanagan Wine Festivals’ Founder’s Award.

“I can’t think of anyone who has had a more profound impact on the Canadian wine industry than Howard Soon,” said John Peller of Andrew Peller Limited.

“More importantly, Howard’s profound kindness and caring nature has won the hearts of everyone who has ever worked with him. He is a genuine pioneer, artisan and friend and we are so grateful for the leadership he has given to everyone at Andrew Peller and the Okanagan wine industry.”

Say hi to Howard before he retires at Andrew Peller’s Spring Open House today at the winery at 1125 Richter St.

He’ll be there with Wayne Gretzky winemaker Sandy Leier offering free tastings and 25 per cent off purchases of select Sandhill, Wayne Gretzky and Peller Estates wines. Pinot Noir in the bottle because, of course, it’s red and Hebert declares it the “perfect Canadian wine.”

“It goes with all of Canada’s favourite foods from Atlantic lobster, halibut and B.C. salmon to pork from Saskatchewan and mushrooms from the Kootenays,” he said.

“Our Pinot Noir is light in colour, but deep in berry flavours.”

Contributed photos After 37 years, Canada’s longest-serving winemaker, Howard Soon of Sandhill Wines, is retiring.

To mark Canada’s sesquicentennial, Kelowna’s St. Hubertus Winery has released Canadian Red 150 Anniversary Edition Pinot Noir in a red bottle.

The Bistro’s patio at Liquidity Wines in Okanagan Falls has been named one of the 100 best outdoor dining restaurants in Canada.