New Owners for Sonora Desert Winery and South Okanagan Craft Distillery

Artisan Food & Beverage Group has announced the acquisition of Sonora Desert Winery and South Okanagan Craft Distillery. Founder and Winemaker Mark Simpson has partnered with Siren’s Call Wines Sales Director Teresa Centanni to acquire the stunning property located roughly five kilometers north of Osoyoos. The deal includes a 3.75-acre old vines vineyard planted with Merlot and Tempranillo, a seven-bedroom inn, a boutique winery, and a craft distillery, all set in the spectacular Sonoran Desert. The relaunch is planned for April 2023 and the next six months will be spent developing plans for winery events and experiences along with reimagining Artisan Group’s flagship Siren’s Call wine brand to reflect its new home.

“We couldn’t be more excited about this acquisition,” said Simpson. “It’s been a long-held dream of both Teresa and I to own and operate our own winery and estate vineyard. The Sonora Desert property is an incredible opportunity for us to bring those dreams to fruition.”

With branding, websites, and 2023 programming to be developed, the next months will be a busy time for everyone involved. “We have lots of work to do but are filled with excitement and energy as we look ahead,” said Centanni. “We can’t wait to share news about our new wines, products, and events with BC wine lovers.” www.sonoradesertwinery.ca

Remembering Vice President of BCFGA Jeet Dukhia

Jeet Dukhia died at age 74 on Wednesday, December 14, 2022. Jeet previously served as President of the BCFGA in 2012, and is the current Vice-President of the BCFGA, elected in February 2021 to a two-year term. Jeet immigrated to Canada as a youth with his family, landing in Port-Aux-Vasques, Newfoundland, where his father taught high school. After training as a power engineer in Calgary, Jeet worked at Vernon Jubilee Hospital and became chief engineer for the Interior Health Authority in 2010. After arriving in Vernon, Jeet purchased his first orchard in 1974 with his brother. His current 43-acre farm in Vernon was purchased in 1979. Jeet replanted to high density apples (primarily Gala, Ambrosia, and Honey Crisp), with three acres of cherries.

Jeet was known for his connection to the grassroots, as well as his strong-willed approach to life and advocating for the under-represented.