Canada's longest serving winemaker and B.C. wine industry pioneer Howard Soon of Sandhill Wines has announced his retirement.
“I can’t think of anyone who has had a more profound impact on the Canadian wine industry than Howard Soon. For those of us who know and believe that great wines are made in the vineyard, Howard has been our passionate crusader and proof point” said John Peller of Andrew Peller Ltd.
“More importantly, Howard’s profound kindness and caring nature has won the hearts of everyone who has ever worked with him. He is a genuine pioneer, artisan and friend and we are so grateful for the leadership he has given to everyone at Andrew Peller Ltd and the Okanagan wine industry.”
After studying Biochemistry at the University of British Columbia and Business Administration at the University of Manitoba, Soon moved to the Okanagan in 1980 to begin his winemaking career.
Soon is well known for being the innovative force behind Sandhill's exploratory single-vineyard and Small Lots Program.
Among his many accolades, Soon was the first B.C. winemaker to receive a gold medal at the Chardonnay du Monde in France, the first to release a series of single-vineyard-designated wines and the first to produce a “Super Tuscan” blend.
Soon plans on spending valuable time with his family, traveling and volunteer community work at home in his beloved Kelowna.
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