Andrea Bartker
Foxtrot Vineyard Winemaker Andrea Barker
Born in Toronto, I grew up a hockey player. Having an early start in wine appreciation, training with my father at the dinner table, I developed an interest at a young age. In my teenage years, I moved down to the DC area where I later earned a degree in soil science from the University of Maryland. I worked my first harvest at the university’s research vineyard, which began my career in the wine industry. I spent years working and travelling the world to gain experience and develop a rich understanding of terroir-driven winemaking. Returning to Canada in 2017, I undertook a research-based master’s degree exploring the terroir of Niagara, focusing on the effects clone and rootstocks impart on wine quality of Pinot noir, Chardonnay and Riesling. At the end of my studies, in 2019, I found the perfect job at Foxtrot Winery in Naramata. In my first season here, we designed our own research project, planting a vineyard of Pinot noir comparing own-rooted and grafted vines in several different soil types. I am very excited to be a part of the BC wine industry and to continue my learning on Canadian soil!
O&V: How did you get started in the wine industry?
My father has always had a great appreciation of wine, which he imparted on all his children. I began tasting with him at a very young age, and interest eventually turned to passion.
O&V: Where did you go to school or apprentice?
I have a BSc in soil science from the University of Maryland. Later I completed a certificate in Enology through Washington State University. Finally, I earned a MSc in Viticulture and Oenology at Brock University, in Ontario.
O&V: Have you worked in any other countries?
I spent several years gleaning experience on different forms of winemaking and grape growing around the world before returning to Canada. I have worked in South Africa, New Zealand, US and Germany.
O&V: What is your favourite varietal to work with?
Pinot noir. It is demanding and finicky, but if you get it right, oh so rewarding!.
O&V: What is the best thing about your job?
I am always learning.
O&V: Is there a particular wine or vintage that you have made that you are most proud of?
The 2019 vintage at Foxtrot is a special one for me being my first vintage as head winemaker. It was a challenging year, for many reasons, resulting in very little fruit, but that made it all the more precious. We held out until the last moment to pick, challenging birds and frost, to allow full flavour development in the fruit, which in turn produced wonderfully complex and elegant wines.