With multiple vineyards in the Fraser and Okanagan Valleys under her careful eye, Mary McDermott brings balance to Township 7.
With a portfolio that spans elegant still and traditional method sparkling wines, Township 7 Vineyards & Winery has made its mark across the Fraser and Okanagan Valleys, with vineyards in Langley, Oliver and on the Naramata Bench. Its small-lot cuvées continue to earn acclaim—including Seven Stars Sirius, named Wine of the Year by the Okanagan Wine Festivals.
O&V: Tell us about your roots. How did you get started?
Mary McDermott: I started out in hospitality with a journalism background. I worked as a sommelier but wanted to get experience making wine.
O&V: Have you worked in any other countries?
MM: After working as a sommelier, I received my B.Sc. in oenology and viticulture from Brock University. I have worked in Ontario and British Columbia as well as travelled to various places in the world to discover new techniques being used elsewhere.
O&V: What do you enjoy most about what you do?
MM: I enjoy the challenges that we face every vintage and sharing the final product.
O&V: Tell us about the challenges in your work.
MM: I think the biggest challenge we are facing now is climate change. The past few vintages have been very unstable so learning how to make the best wine in differing circumstances with different techniques is what we face now.
O&V: What is the top highlight of your career?
MM: The highlight would be winning best sparkling wine in Canada twice from the Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championships for the 2016 Seven Stars Polaris and the 2020 Seven Stars Rigel. Also this year, being named BC Wine of the Year for the 2017 Seven Stars Sirius LD [late disgorged, 72 months on the lees.]
O&V: What are you looking forward to in the coming season?
MM: We are developing a new Naramata Estate sparkling wine to make our seventh different sparkling and we have some great aromatics coming out along with a new white blend.