WOMEN IN WINE: SANDRA OLDFIELD OF TINHORN CREEK
Sandra Oldfield has a list of accomplishments a mile long. There's a new one to add, she's now officially one of Canada's Most Powerful Women.
Each year, 100 women are celebrated by the Women's Executive Network WXN. Sandra was selected in the 2016 Trailblazers & Trendsetters category.
“I’m honoured to be recognized as a trailblazer and have the opportunity, as a female CEO in the wine industry, to act as a role model for younger generations and my peers. At Tinhorn Creek we strive to be at the forefront of the industry; pushing boundaries and setting trends to
promote Canadian wine.”
Here's a selection of Sandra's achievements, which demonstrate her leadership in the Canadian wine industry:
- After studying winemaking at UC Davis, she moved to Canada, becoming one of the only women winemakers in the country when Tinhorn opened 20 years ago - she's now the CEO of Tinhorn Creek.
Created BC's first winery members club that shipped direct to consumer!
Sandra was instrumental in the delineation of BC's first wine sub-appellation: the Golden Mile Bench, on the former gold-mining hills west of Oliver.
- Sandra embraced controversy to make an important point for the Canadian wine industry. Should it be easier to ship a 12-gauge shotgun or a case of wine across provincial borders? In 2012, she proved it was easier to order the gun. Canadians owe Sandra a debt of gratitude for her advocacy on the free trade of wine.
Speaking of advocacy, Sandra has also been a strong proponent for clearer labelling on Canadian wine that contains grapes or juice imported from other countries, the result of which is most often of inferior quality, and sold as 'cellared in Canada'.
- For the past 5 years, she's run #BCWinechat on Twitter each Wednesday evening, a go-to forum for BC wine lovers, winemakers, growers, and somms to discuss a variety of wine topics.
“If you need help, ask for it. Face issues head on. If you don’t start long-term goals now, you’ll never realize them.”
Congratulations Sandra on this well deserved recognition.
Tinhorn Creek
This family-owned and sustainability focused winery is featured in my book Winetripping as a key stop in the Oliver area.
They've got spectacular views across the valley from their welcoming tasting room, plus a fantastic restaurant, Miradoro, and host many fun activities on site (concerts, yoga in the vines, access to hiking trails). The wines are made wholly from their own vineyards on the Golden Mile and Black Sage Benches. 2.5% of the winery's net income supports the Boys & Girls Clubs of Canada. My favourite wines there are the Oldfield Series reds, make sure you give them a try.
537 Tinhorn Creek Road, Oliver BC
Open for tastings year round:
March 1st to October 31stfrom 10-6
November 1st to December 31st from 10-5
January 2nd to February 28th from 10-4
Images courtesy of Tinhorn Creek