Meet Deb, she was originally born in Ontario but has lived in the Okanagan since 1991. She and her husband, Jim own Uncorked Okanagan Wine Tours Kelowna. They built their company on the belief that life is meant to be enjoyed and celebrated at every moment.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I always enjoy visiting with friends and family from out of town. They always put a smile on our face because it's always so special when they come to visit.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Any and all winery retail stores, I can't get enough of the wines and wine-related merch.
Describe yourself in one word.
Complicated
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Mexico, we work out of Mexico in the off-season. We have a tour office down there.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Wine touring!
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I took a tour group to Thornhaven winery. While lining up with purchases I noticed a beautiful piece of pottery on the serving bar and commented to one of our tour guests how beautiful it was… IT WAS THE SPITOON!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Meeting Silken Laumann- one of our most prolific Olympians.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I loved track and field day. When I was 7 years old I was winning all sorts of ribbons, but could not go the distance for the Triple jump. One time, my sister whispered in my ear, don't forget to step in the middle. I ended up winning the red ribbon! Goes to show you the power of suggestion and the importance of support from those who matter to you!
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
As a small business, we embrace every charity that approaches us for donations. We have special projects such as Ogopogo Rotary and the BC Cancer Society that are our annual charitable donations, but we always donate at our local stores asking for loonies and toonies- every little bit counts.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would never put B.C. wineries against Alberta's pipelines!
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I'd go for a massage.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Less Old Boys Club! Embrace diversity and celebrate our collective brain trust!
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The beautiful outdoors and climate.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
- African Safari
- River Cruise in Bordeaux
- World Peace
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I am in love with love and attracted to kindness.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
all of the above, or call me!
What is the name of your business/organization?
Uncorked Okanagan Wine Tours
Why did you get into/start this business?
Both of us loved our previous gigs as tour guides when we were in our 20's. We conjured up our youth and tapped into our love of putting a smile on everyone's face. Making wine tours memorable brings us endless pleasure!
What is the goal of your business?
Elevate the experience and be the best in the business!
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Keeping our eye on the fun and remembering not to take challenges personally.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would have started our tour business much earlier.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Love it or lose it!
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Follow your vision and the rest will come.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Oprah, she showed me how to face challenges with dignity. Meeting Oprah is still on my bucket list!
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Giving back and supporting local is a lifestyle not a trend.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Finding my happy place.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
All our tour guides, Herb, Steve, Alana, Monty, Eoghan and Ryan. They are dedicated and caring human beings.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Diana Dors
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!
