Meet David! He's from New Zealand and moved to Kelowna 9 years ago. He traveled the world gaining wine experience and landed at Tantalus Vineryards to fill the role of their winemaker.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My wife Stephanie and my daughter Maya – they are the most important people in my life.
Describe yourself in one word.
Focused.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Machu Picchu, a lifelong dream unrealized.
What is yourfavourite activity in Kelowna?
Playing golf.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I am very rarely embarrassed, but when I have been it’s really bad, and I don't want to talk about it.. haha!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Meeting Olivier Humbrecht recently over dinner. He is a bit of a legendary winemaker from Alsace, France and at the top of the Riesling and Pinot Gris game; his wines are really impressive. He makes me want to make better wine.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Camping at Loch Katrine at my family’s cabin on the South Island of New Zealand.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I have partnered with Balding for Dollars (benefitting the BC Children’s Hospital and KGH Foundation) for a few years now in Kelowna. My wife and I are heavily involved with many local charities in town by way of our work with the winery.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Donald Trump.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Black Mountain Golf course, and soon I’ll be stoked to head to new spot I am helping open for a beer after a round – Vice & Virtue Brewing.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
More affordable housing as not everyone makes a six-figure salary in this city. We have a high demand for labour as we grow as a city and presently we are without the resources to house folks working in entry-level positions.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The proximity to many activities like skiing and golf as well as lake sports. Not to mention the wine and food scene. The views and topography around us are also stunning.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Travel to Macchu Picchu
2. Drink my wine with Jancis Robinson, a preeminent UK wine writer
3. Trip to the Arctic to see the northern lights
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
My first job was a door-to-door salesman selling cleaning products.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I feel in love with wine while living in the UK and working at restaurants in England and Scotland. I decided to take the plunge and go back to New Zealand to get my winemaking degree in my mid-20’s. After graduating from Lincoln University in Christchurch, I traveled the wine world doing harvests in France, Oregon, and Australia. I moved back to Canada with my wife in 2009 (she’s from Vancouver) and this job came up at the right time. The opportunity to run a single-vineyard winery has been amazing.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
All of the above, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
What is the name of your business/organization?
Tantalus Vineyards
Why did you get into/start this business?
I feel in love with wine while living in the UK and working at restaurants in England and Scotland. I decided to take the plunge and go back to New Zealand to get my winemaking degree in my mid-20’s. After graduating from Lincoln University in Christchurch, I travelled the wine world doing harvests in France, Oregon and Australia. I moved back to Canada with my wife in 2009 (she’s from Vancouver) and this job came up at the right time. The opportunity to run a single-vineyard winery has been amazing.
What is the goal of your business?
To produce the very best wines from our single vineyard while expressing each vintage individually. It’s also equally important to me to adhere to our sustainable philosophy in our vineyard and winemaking practices.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Working too much sometimes, and not taking enough time for myself.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would have done things mostly the same, to be honest. I love what I do, where I live. My job gives me many great opportunities to meet fascinating people and travel.
What do you always find yourself saying?
"That I have a great team at Tantalus and without them, none of our success would be possible."
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Don't sweat the small stuff and always have the big picture in mind.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
UK wine writer, Jancis Robinson. I’d just love to pick her brain on her perspective on the wine world right now. She’s seen it all. Plus, I suspect we’d open something nice to drink.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
We have the best of everything here so it makes total sense to do so and putting money back into the local economy helps the entire community grow and flourish.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Being a proud father to my 3-year-old daughter Maya.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Grant Biggs of Kitsch wines is an ex-employee of mine who is doing great things over at Kitsch wines.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Grant Biggs
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!
