OUR PEOPLE
Wine Maker Daniel Bontorin
Daniel's Italian background fostered a natural and intuitive understanding of wine. In 2000 he graduated top 5 in his class at the winery assistant program through Okanagan University College, where shortly after he put his tools and knowledge into his passion for winemaking. Over the course of 5 years spanning from 2000 to 2004, he has earned his pedigree under the guidance of North America's most awarded winemaker Eric Von Krosigk, and alongside some of the most notable BC wineries in the region such as Tinhorn Creek, Hester Creek, Pentage, Domain Combret, Fairview Cellars and Hillside Estate. In 2005 he ventured to his native region of Veneto in Northern Italy for 2 months to further his studies at Cantina Montelliana in the town of Montebelluna known for some of the best pinot grigio, merlot and prosseco in Northern Italy.
Here he learned the relevance of the Biodynamic process and its effects on wine production; as well as sourcing selective yeast strains currently used in his winemaking. Upon returning to B.C. he accepted the position as head winemaker for Le Vieux Pin where he produce 3 vintages as well as 2 additional vintages for their sister winery Lastella. In the summer of 2008 Daniel moved to Lastella and now resides as head wine maker.
Wine Maker James Cambridge
James began his wine making career in the late 90'swith his first tour at Summerhill Pyramid Winery. Having enjoyed the experience, he realized that to succeed in this field an education was needed. James grew up in southern Ontario and was very familiar with the wine culture there, so he enrolled in Niagara College. Upon graduating at the top of his class James sought to enhance his wine making knowledge at such wineries as Henry of Pellham, Eastdell, Willow Height, and two separate vintages at Creekside Estate Winery. In between all that, James managed a 90 acre vineyard in Grimsby Ontario. He returned to the Okanagan in 2004 for his 2nd tour and first of three vintages as wine maker at Summerhill Pyramid Winery.
Executive Director Rasoul Salehi
Rasoul began his career in the wine industry at the age of 19 and has become immeasurably cultured and cultivated with a vast knowledge and understanding of wines from around the world. His keen sense of smell and taste made it inevitable for him to be involved in the industry. In his quest to acquire more knowledge, he has visited hundreds of vineyards and wineries primarily throughout North America, and continually takes annual trips to various regions such as Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Dundee Hills and our own wonderful Okanagan Valley.
His education encompasses a Bachelor in Communications from Simon Fraser University which he completed with honours, along with an Advanced degree from WSET; recipient of a scholarship to become "Certified Spanish Wine educator" a program offered through the "society of wine educators", and is currently working on his WSET diploma. Rasoul's working background includes teaching wine education seminars for corporate and food and wine events, as well as writing wine lists for top international and national hotels. As a passionate wine collector Rasoul now has a collection of over 1200 bottles.