See Ya Later Ranch


	People Dave Carson, Winemaker Dave Carson is the See Ya Later Ranch winemaker. Born in Germany and relocating to Canada in Kelowna, BC when he was just a small child, Carson has worked in vineyards since age 11. His neighbour hired him to work in the vineyards and Carson was doing basic field analysis by the time he was 15 – not old enough to drive but knowledgeable enough to measure acidity! And there are not many people who can also boast of working as a teen on something as influential as the Becker Project, one of the major research projects whose findings had a large influence on the BC wine industry's development. In 1980, Carson helped build the vineyard at Sumac Ridge Estate Winery, and worked there until his move to Sumac Ridge’s sister winery Hawthorne Mountain Vineyards (now See Ya Later Ranch) in 2003, just in time for the harvest. As Sumac Ridge winery president Harry McWatters jokes, “Dave came to build a vineyard, and 21 years later he is still here.” While at Sumac Ridge Estate Winery, Carson was involved in all facets of production, from the vineyard, to shipping, maintenance and the cellar. From 1996 to summer 2003, he was the assistant winemaker, and has supplemented his years of experience at the winery by taking multiple short courses in winemaking. Under the direction of Mark Wendenburg, he was responsible for the production of the Sumac Ridge Estate Winery Icewine, Pipe and Cabernet Sauvignon. Carson says his biggest achievement in his career was when the 1997 Pinot Blanc Icewine he made won several awards, particularly because making Icewine is so challenging. At See Ya Later Ranch, Carson is responsible for managing the winemaking cellar and making all of the wines in the portfolio. He is very excited about the future possibilities at the winery. “There are plenty of opportunities for me,” he says. “There have been some outstanding wines produced here and I am doing my best to carry on that tradition.” One who loves to get up and go, Carson is fond of the both the mountain location and the hands-on approach of being a winemaker. “I am not a great person to be at a desk, so this location is perfect for me,” he says. “On my first day here, when I stood out on the crush platform, overlooking the incredible view to Skaha Lake, and then looking over my shoulder to the hundred-acre vineyard behind me, you just couldn’t wipe the smile off of my face,” he adds. “And every day this incredible setting awaits me. What a great place to work!” When not working, Carson spends time with his wife and their young children. Once a nationally ranked competitive bodybuilder, he always makes time to get to the gym. Mason Spink, Assistant Winemaker Reporting directly to Dave, Mason will assume responsibility for managing the winemaking cellar and making all of the wines in the See Ya Later Ranch portfolio. Mason, originally from Victoria, BC, has worked for See Ya Later Ranch since 2006, while attending Brock University in his study of oenology and viticulture. Mason worked closely with the See Ya Later Ranch viticulture team throughout the spring and summer in 2006, and then joined See Ya Later Ranch’s winemaking team in the cellars to work the 2006 harvest and crush. All the while, Mason proved himself as a very motivated and hard working team player. Following the 2006 vintage Mason went to Ontario and successfully completed his degree in Oenology and Viticulture, with honors, at the Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute at Brock University in St. Catharines Ontario. With his formal education complete, again for the 2007 vintage Mason joined the team in the cellar at See Ya Later Ranch, acting as the temporary assistant winemaker. During his time with the winery team Mason had always acted professionally, and kept his cool during stressful times including vintage in a busy operation. It was this constant sight of the final outcome that so impressed Dave and ultimately secured Mason’s winemaking position. “As a new grad, I feel very fortunate to be able to land a job right away in such a reputable winery,” says Mason. “The See Ya Later Ranch portfolio is so strong, and I am proud to be able to contribute to it. Also,” he continues. “To be able to live in such a beautiful part of British Columbia is something to be proud of too.” Sharleen Lauzon, Guest Services Manager Visitors to See Ya Later Ranch are welcomed by Sharleen Lauzon, guest services manager. She, along with her dog Boots, greet winery visitors Born in Saskatchewan, Sharleen grew up in Calgary, and arrived in the Okanagan Valley in 1999. The climate, terrain, lakes, outdoor lifestyle and small town friendliness were a desirable formula for Sharleen, and for nearly a decade now she has made it her home. Sharleen oversees the wine shop and the team that works with the winery crew to create and implement special tastings and winery events. With a background in the hospitality industry, making people feel welcome and creating a fun, friendly atmosphere comes naturally. During her off-work hours Sharleen enjoys outdoor sports such as biking and hiking the Kettle Valley Railway trails, as well as gardening and reading. Sharleen loves working at See Ya Later Ranch and finds it a great bonus to take her beloved Boots to work each day. Boots is a mixed-breed dog who rushes out to greet people and leads them to the wine shop door. Boots also likes to catch the odd nap in the sun, but can leap into action if called upon to chase birds out of the vineyard. Visitors are invited to visit See Ya Later Ranch and to say hello to Sharleen and Boots.