Sandy Leier
Sandhill Wines announced the appointment of Sandy Leier as lead winemaker, effective June 14. A graduate of UBC Okanagan, Leier has been a winemaker for over 12 years, most recently for Calona Vineyards and Wayne Gretzky Okanagan Wines.
Leier served as lead winemaker for Calona Vineyards and Wayne Gretzky Okanagan Wines between 2006 - 2016. Her wines have received a number of awards and accolades, among them the Lieutenant Governor’s award in 2013 for the 2011 Calona Vineyards Artist Series Pinot Noir, Gold at the Syrah du Monde for the 2014 Wayne Gretzky Signature Shiraz and Gold/Best in Class at All Canadian Wine Championships for the 2016 Wayne Gretzky Signature Riesling. Throughout her career, Leier has traveled to wine regions in Australia, France, Chile and Argentina to study winemaking and viticultural processes and explore winemaking styles.