Meet Pénélope! Pénélope is originally from Bordeaux, France and has been living here in Penticton with her family for eight years. She enjoys visiting the local wineries and taking advantage of the many year-round outdoor activities Penticton has to offer.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Penticton?
I am originally from Bordeaux, France and I have been living in Penticton for 8 years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
It's hard to just choose one, but I would say, my family!
What is your favourite local store in Penticton and why?
I love Habitat for Humanity because you can find some good things and also help people.
Describe yourself in one word.
Determined.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I would go to Sri Lanka because it's on my bucket list!
What is your favourite activity in Penticton?
Wine touring, hiking, boating, biking, walking on the KVR... so many things to do here!!!
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I would say falling on a stage in front of 300 people...
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Our move here 8 years ago really opened my mind. We moved from France with my family to create our own wine brand. When we arrived we had no jobs and no home. I was 6 months pregnant with our second child and we had no idea how things would go but with a lot of hope and bit of craziness, we built the life we wanted to from scratch. Today we look back and say "how did we do that...?!"
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
When we were on my parents' sailboat during the holidays, there was such a strong sensation of love. We used to travel everywhere together and I loved it, hopefully, we can do the same with our kids!
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Being a mom of 3 kids and a winemaker/viticulturist/winery owner doesn't leave me a lot of time to do anything else! I try to volunteer for some tastings and dinner by donating wine and my time. I also donate my time to Okanagan College to guide student visits on the property.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Improve communication.
Where would you sneak away to in Penticton to spend some time alone?
I would hop on my road bike and go to Naramata.
Where would you like to see positive change in Penticton and why?
I would like to see more festivals or events to showcase all of the different cultures and countries that make Penticton people unique. Also, making wineries accessible for bikes with proper security.
What do you think makes Penticton great?
The location in between two lakes, the climate, the wineries, the people...
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
I hope to be able to learn play piano, travel a lot and sing with my husband!
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I'm a perfume collector.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
@Rochewines
What is the name of your business/organization?
Roche Wines
Why did you get into/start this business?
Dylan and I are both winemakers trained in France and dreamed about creating our own brand. I'm the 6th generation winemaker of Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion and my passion is making wine.
What is the goal of your business?
We want to share our passion for growing vines and making wine.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Focusing my large amount of energy.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Might do some light changes but not a lot!
What do you always find yourself saying?
There is always light at the end of the tunnel.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
"Follow your dreams and make them even bigger."
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I would love to meet Tenzin Gyatso the Dailaï-lama, I'm sure we could talk for hours...
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
This is the way to support our local community and encourage Penticton.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Beginning from scratch here, far away from my family and home.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Dylan Roche, my husband, because he is the rock of the rock and nothing would have happened without him!
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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!
