Photo: Contributed
Naramata’s Laughing Stock Vineyards has hired Sandy Leier as its new winemaker.
Leier grew up in Kelowna and has more than 15 years of experience working with premium B.C. VQA wines.
“I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the team at Laughing Stock Vineyards,” Leier said in a press release. “Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to travel for work to many regions, and Naramata is second to none.
“I look forward to working with the viticulture and winemaking teams to consistently craft the premium, terroir-driven wines that Laughing Stock has become known for.”
Leier earned a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from UBC Okanagan, and under the mentorship of master winemaker Howard Soon she worked for Andrew Peller, Sandhill, Gray Monk and Wayne Gretzky. She is currently completing the viticulture certificate program at Washington State University.
“We could not be happier to welcome Sandy as Laughing Stock’s new winemaker,” Arterra Wines Canada winemaking operations director Derek Kontkanen said. “She is incredibly well-respected in our industry, and with her passion, leadership and eye for innovation the future of Laughing Stock is in good hands.”
Leier replaces senior winemaker Dave Carson, who recently retired after a 40-year career in the B.C. wine industry. She will be supported by assistant winemaker Kaitlyn Berendt and cellar hand Cohen Park.
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