Pat was born in Olds Alberta and lived her childhood in Calgary moved to BC in 1978 where she raised her 4 daughters. Pat discovered the ability to make wines in her basement with 28 day kits and she will tell you she had her timing down to an art as the last bottle was emptied the next 30 were ready to be bottled.

Through her experience at another ferment on premise business, Pat developed a good knowledge of wines and the wine making process. Pat has developed a great depth and knowledge of the white wines we carry and is often deferred to in order to assist customers with their choice. Pat is also the person who keeps the records straight so that our production team can function efficiently. In addition Pat has developed incite in the area of giftware. When not helping customers with the bottling, Pat will be phoning people for appointments, checking computer input or organizing the artist for the Loft Art Gallery. 

Born in England trained as a navigator and joined the British Merchant Navy. For the next few years travelled to most parts of the world mainly on refrigerator ships. Once Peter sailed into Vancouver he realized this is where he wanted to live. Immigrated to Canada in 1974 and joined the banking system. About 25 years later he was ready for a new challenge and started to look at business options. After meeting Pat the interest in wine making was developed. Making wine at home and at Ferment on Premise locations and finding that though commercial red wines did not agree with him, the red wines from kits could be enjoyed without the after effects experienced before. Peter immediately worked full time at the store and though a steep learning curve the learning experience has been worthwhile.

Peter joined the South Cowichan Chamber of Commerce, as a director, to get a better understanding of the community.  Then sat on the board of the industry representative group, Fermenter’s Guild of BC  as Director and President to get a full understanding of the industry. Peter represented BC Winexpert retailers, by sitting on the National Retailers Council Advisory group for 4 years.  Peter joined South Cowichan Rotary and enjoys the many great initiatives that that group generates. Peter also loves fishing and photography when he can get the time.

Hello! I’m Kathryn Morrison, or as some say, Kat.

I grew up in Thunder Bay Ontario, I moved to the Island in 2003 I was a do-it-yourself wine maker in Thunder Bay, and at that point, I thought I knew a lot about wine. Coming to the Island was a whole new experience for me. The weather? I love it! No more -35 Celsius and no more snow drifts over my head! I lived on a 35 foot Cooper Pilothouse sailboat for my first year with my husband and best friend Cec. One great experience after another! In 2005, we moved to Cobble Hill.

My pride and Joy? 2 grown boys Colin and Cass. Now my extended family includes two beautiful, white, fluffy dogs Bella and Merlot. I became part of the Valley Vines to Wines family in November 2007. I came into this job with my prior experience from winemaking at home, having lots of fun. Since then I have attended training courses and 2 conferences held by our supplier Winexpert. These have really broadened my experience,  knowledge and appreciation of the wine industry. My dogs have even been effected by my passion for wine. Bella (Italian for beautiful), and my second dog Merlot (After Stag’s Leap Merlot) Both my background and recently gained knowledge gives me the confidence that I can help you choose the right wine and I look forward to helping you soon.