Harry McWatters
The “Godfather of British Columbia Wine”, Harry McWatters, passed away in Summerland on July 23, 2019 at the age of 74.
In keeping with his strong preference for good wine and cheer, his family and close friends held a celebration at Penticton Lakeside Resort on August 9, attended by more than 800 people, including his large, extended family and numerous friends and colleagues. As they sipped sparkling wine, an abundance of stories and anecdotes, kind words and songs of inspiration and humour that personified his life, filled the room.
Since the pivotal day in 1968 when he became Casabello Wines’ first salesman, Harry has been a driving force in the BC and Canadian wine industry. Being the visionary and innovative thinker he was, he knew what it would take to transform BC wine into one of the world’s best and he worked tirelessly to that end with passion and determination. When he partnered with Lloyd Schmidt in 1980 to establish Sumac Ridge, it was BC’s first estate winery (compared to approximately 350 today) and home to BC’s first winery restaurant. As well, Sumac Ridge was the first winery in BC to develop a commercially successful sparkling wine and the first to use Meritage on the label for its Bordeaux-style blends.
Among his many achievements, he was instrumental in founding and chairing the Okanagan Wine Festival Society, the British Columbia Wine Institute, VQA Canada, the British Columbia Hospitality Foundation and the British Columbia Wine Information Society. Most recently, he served as President of Encore of Vineyards, owner of Evolve Cellars in Summerland and Time Winery & Kitchen in Penticton. His numerous accolades include two-time Jubilee Medals from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Order of British Columbia.
Our warm thoughts and sincere condolences to Harry’s family and friends.