Directors
Felix Egerer- Unsworth Vineyards - co-Vice President
Felix has recently moved to Vancouver Island to be the Viticulturist at Unsworth Vineyards in Mill Bay. He received formal training at UC Davis and Geisenheim University as well as harvest experiences in cool climates around the world eventually leading him to work the 2016 harvest at Tantalus Vineyards in Kelowna before switching from a winemaking track to viticulture. His focus lies on regenerative agriculture systems.
Sue de Charmoy - Umoya Vineyards - Director
Sue was born into a farming family and grew up on a sugar cane farm in South Africa. She went on to study Physiotherapy in Cape Town and so began an introduction to vines and wines. After a backpacking adventure in the Northern Hemisphere, which included Canada, she spent the next 20 odd years working as a cardio pulmonary physiotherapist and lecturing in the field in South Africa, Bahrain and the Sultanate of Oman. She chose to immigrate to Canada and arrived here in 2013 to a small vineyard. She completed the Viticulture Certificate Program through Washington State University in 2016/2017. Since then she manages the vineyard and is motivated by current research in farming that focuses on the least impact on the environment while still sustainably growing a quality crop in a small vineyard.
Jody Subotin, Le Vieux Pin/Lastella - Director
Jody grew up in vineyards, starting in 1996 during his summer breaks from school. He began his career at Hawthorn Mountain Vineyards in 1997, and by 1999, he served as vineyard manager. In 2000, he moved to Osoyoos Larose, where he learned advanced vineyard practices from Bordeaux. Jody led teams in planting vineyards from the ground up, including clearing land, installing irrigation, and trellising systems, planting vines, and more. He was also introduced to biodynamic agriculture during this time. Currently, he is the Vineyard Manager and Managing Partner at Le Vieux Pin and Lastella Wineries.
Jarnail Brar, Bakshish Farms - Director
Jarnail comes from a farming family, growing up picking berries in Abbotsford. In 1999, his family moved to Oliver and bought a vineyard on the Black Sage Bench. They now own over 100 acres of vineyards, orchards, and ground crops. Jarnail enjoys the challenges of farming, as each year brings something new. He values building community among growers and the opportunity to share knowledge, adapt, and keep the industry moving forward.
Dapinder Gill, Gill Vineyards - President
Dapinder began working in vineyards as a summer job while studying for his Bachelor of Business at UBCO. Over the years, he has worked in all aspects of vineyard management and the winery. He later earned his Chartered Accountant designation. His contributions extend to serving on the boards of Wine Growers BC and the Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association. He currently maintains his own 25-acre vineyard in Oliver and is the VP of Finance at Dirty Laundry Vineyards.
Gaganjit Dhaliwal, S&B Dhaliwal - Director
Gagan grew up working in family vineyards and developed a renewed interest in grape growing after completing a Viticulture Certificate at Okanagan College. He has also learned from his father and uncle, long-time growers in the Okanagan. Gagan enjoys working outdoors and thrives on the challenges farming brings each season. He joined the BCGA Board of Directors to help build the industry for future generations and strengthen BC's reputation as a world-class wine region.
Bobby Ercego, Andrew Peller - co-Vice President
Bobby is excited to be working with unique varietals at Terravista and the challenges they present. Having lived in the South Okanagan his entire life, Bobby grew up on family vineyards in Kaleden, BC. He pursued viticulture studies at Okanagan College in 2010 and worked with wineries such as Blasted Church, The Hatch, and Play Estate. More recently, he has worked with larger-scale vineyard management companies, including Earlco Vineyards. Bobby enjoys a hands-on approach and learning new and innovative farming practices.
Louise Lalor, Hillside Winery - Treasurer
Louise is a CPA joining the BCGA from Hillside Winery. She brings a wealth of financial expertise and a professional background to the BCGA. Louise has a practical, entrepreneurial business approach, developed through her experience in various profit and non-profit organizations in North America and Europe.
Troy Osborne, Arterra Wines Canada - Director
Troy began his viticulture career at Quails’ Gate Vineyards, quickly advancing to a management role. In 2001, he moved to Arterra Wines Canada, where he is now Director of Western Viticulture, overseeing 1,100 acres of vineyard. Troy believes in the value of collaboration and collective learning, which contribute to the success of the BC wine industry.
Kelsey Rufiange, Echo Bay Vineyard - Director
Kelsey is a grape grower and winemaker from Okanagan Falls. After earning a postgraduate degree in Vineyard Management and Oenology and completing vintages in the Southern Hemisphere, she now makes wine for her family's Echo Bay Vineyard and her experimental line, Else. Kelsey is passionate about holistic viticulture, favouring organic and biodynamic practices while promoting a biodiverse ecosystem for soil health and resiliency.
Jon Furkalo, Earlco Vineyards Ltd. - Director
Jon has farmed vineyards in the Okanagan, BC, and Niagara, ON, for several years. After earning a Viticulture Certificate from Washington State University, he put down roots in Penticton, BC. Working for Earlco has allowed Jon to expand his knowledge by collaborating with multiple wineries, winemakers, and vineyards. As a member of the Sustainable Wine Growing BC committee, Jon now focuses on sustainable farming practices to improve the health and longevity of the industry. In winter, Jon teaches Viticulture at Okanagan College, hoping to inspire the next generation of farmers to reach their full potential.
Michael Kullmann, Osoyoos Larose - Director
Michael Kullmann grew up in the UK, but spent 3 years in Bordeaux, where he did his Masters at University of Bordeaux, before coming to the Okanagan Valley in 2019. He spent nearly 3 years as the vineyard manager at Osoyoos Larose before becoming the winemaker and General Manager in 2022. He is interested in Organic Viticulture and precision irrigation and joined the Board to help growers access more help and funding.
Christopher Mark - Vintality Tech Inc. - Ex Officio
You’ll find Christopher working at numerous vineyards in the Okanagan Valley, across BC, and outside of Canada. His experience brings a broad perspective of the reality of growers to BCGA discussions. Chris is interested in precision viticulture and sustainable farming methods that promote high quality fruit and profitable vineyards. He has his finger on the pulse of the latest technologies and data collection tools. The education and grassroots work of the BCGA are what Chris finds most engaging, he likes being part of a group that is passionate about growing grapes and cares deeply about the future of our industry.
Contact BCGA
Post Office Box 1138,
Penticton, BC, V2A 6J9
EMAIL: contact form
PHONE: 1 877 762 4652