At Sebastian Farms, the farming arm of the winery brands of Mark Anthony, the vineyard team shares a focus on environmental sustainability. Join us in the field with director of viticulture Kurt Simcic.
Kurt leads organic winegrowing and nurtures the vines for CheckMate, Cedar Creek, Mission Hill, Martin’s Lane, Red Barn at Jagged Roack, Road 13 and Liquidity brands.
O&V: How did you get started?
Kurt Simcic: I started in the industry in the early 1990s while studying at Lincoln University in Canterbury, New Zealand. During the summers, I worked as a labourer in the Marlborough vineyards. That hands-on experience led to a lifelong passion in growing quality fruit for premium wines.
O&V: What experiences led you to where you are now?
KS: I have a practical, hands-on background and have been fortunate to work with some great companies and mentors who’ve invested in my training and education over the years. Becoming a parent about 18 years ago sparked my interest in organics, and from there, I developed a passion for growing premium wines using a holistic approach.
I’ve worked with leading wine producers in both New Zealand and the Okanagan Valley in Kelowna, B.C.
O&V: What do you enjoy most?
KS: Winegrowing regions around the world are often in the most beautiful places—and the Okanagan is no exception. Some of our vineyard sites are truly stunning and I love spending time out on the land. It’s where I feel most connected to the work and the environment.
O&V: Tell us about the challenges in your work.
KS: Farming means working at the mercy of Mother Nature. Each season brings its own set of challenges— whether it’s heat domes, wildfires or extremely cold temperatures. Over time, I’ve come to love and appreciate this unpredictability. It keeps me on my toes, I am never stagnant — always learning, always adapting.
Farming holistically means focusing on resilience in our vineyards. We work to build healthy, regenerative systems that improve the health of our precious soils and sites for the longevity of our vines.
O&V: What is the top highlight of your career?
KS: In 2019, I was invited to speak to my peers at an organic and biodynamic winegrowing conference in New Zealand to share what I’ve learned from over 30 years in the industry and connect with others passionate about farming holistically. It was a meaningful moment in my career and a chance to reflect on the journey that brought me from those early vineyard summers to working with premium wine producers across two countries.
O&V: What are you looking forward to in the coming season?
KS: This season, I’m excited to see fruit returning to our vines after the devastating winter of 2024. It’s a powerful reminder that the resilience we’ve spent years building into our vineyards is now bearing fruit.