Meet Katherine McEachnie! Katherine bought a vineyard in Penticton almost two years ago!
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My husband Bill because he has a wicked sense of humour.
What is your favourite local store in Penticton and why?
Canadian Tire because it has everything we need. We go three to four times each week!
Describe yourself in one word.
Enthusiastic.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Porto Fino, Italy, Hotel Splendido patio Restaurant because it is my favourite lunch spot and they make fabulous fresh pasta and I’m hungry.
What is your favourite activity in Penticton?
Anything that involves swimming and the lake.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I drove to work one day with Velcro curlers in my hair without realizing it and after an hour of being at stoplights and people staring I walked into my office and my secretary said go look in the mirror!!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
My brother Kevin who died of Juvenile Diabetes at age 34. He was blind and he taught me a vision that sighted people cannot see through his blindness.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Spending time with my grandfather Charles in Victoria, he survived both World Wars and taught me so much about life. He was my best friend!
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Soup Sisters for the Women & Children’s Shelter
Critter Aid & shelter for animals
Cookie Exchange with friends for a family in need each Xmas
Breast Cancer
Juvenile Diabetes
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
That there would be enough food and water for everyone.
Where would you sneak away to in Penticton to spend some time alone?
Down at the lakeside near the Marina with a blanket and a book.
Where would you like to see positive change in Penticton and why?
I would like to see more housing for students going to Okanagan College and people working in the hospitality industry. I’d also love to have Costco in town!
What do you think makes Penticton great?
Lakes on both sides and the wine culture.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Wild Safari in Africa
Visit Australia again
Golfing on Prince Edward Island
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I am a cancer survivor.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
All of the above and @katthegrape on Instagram and Twitter.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Winston Estate Vineyard.
Why did you get into/start this business?
My dream has always been to own a Vineyard. I love all things grapes & Viticulture.
What is the goal of your business?
To grow the best grapes for wine production.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
I take on too much.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I don’t think I would change a thing my life’s lessons have given me depth of character. I am exactly where I want to be and if anything was changed I might not have arrived at the same place in life.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Never give up.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Luck is when preparation meets opportunity, do the work!
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Ellen Degeneres because she is so funny and would make me laugh all day long!
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
To support local people they make the community what it is.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Being a Judge on the highly coveted Champagne Panel for IWSC in London UK. This was instrumental in me getting my Masters in Champagne!
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Carole Lee because she is the most selfless person I’ve ever known she is like an earth angel and she helps every charity, shelter, person in need always wanting to make the world a better place. She has an incredible human spirit.
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by emailing InFocus@PentictonNow.com. 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, Penticton!
