About us: The 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.” Sally Sharpe, Manager of Hospitality Relations See Ya Later Ranch is proud to introduce Sally Sharpe, manager of hospitality relations, who brings a wealth of industry experience to her role. Originally from Ontario, Sharpe’s (nee Leechman) first foray into the hospitality industry was at the University of Western Ontario where, as a student, she worked part time serving tables. Upon completing her studies, Sharpe and her sister Susan travelled on a ‘round-the-world’ adventure that included stops in Hawaii, Fiji, Australia, Singapore, Thailand, United Kingdom, Amsterdam, Germany, Austria, Greece and an in depth exploration of Canada. These travel experiences provided Sharpe with a rich knowledge base that would ultimately serve as the foundation for the years to come in the hospitality industry. Upon returning home to Canada, Sharpe established herself in the Canadian Rockies in the picturesque community of Field, BC. Sharpe and her sister built and operated the Wildflower Guesthouse, a bed & breakfast. While living in Field, Sally met her husband Doug Sharpe, and married him lakeside in the Okanagan Valley in 2000. In the same year they moved to Calgary, Alberta, where Sally took a job at the Palliser Hotel as sales manager for associations. However, following the wedding, the couple couldn’t shake the Okanagan region from their minds or hearts, so in 2003, the Sharpes both took jobs in Kelowna and moved to Summerland. “I really feel at home in this valley of fruit trees and grape vines” says Sharpe. “What a tremendous hospitality opportunity we also have right before us here in the Okanagan. We have the three ‘Ws’ that draw people from all over the world,” she continues. “The wine, the water and the weather!” In 2004, Sharpe assumed the role of manager of tours that was then developed into guest services at Mission Hill Family Estate Winery. Here Sharpe was involved in hosting events and the development of visitor programs. Her peers will tell you that in this role Sharpe demonstrated excellent leadership and championed many exciting new initiatives. Arriving to kick off the 2008 visitor season, Sharpe is excited to lead hospitality initiatives at See Ya Later Ranch. Sharpe’s role is to oversee the wine shop and foodservice operations. Her warm welcome and passion for food and wine can be felt in every corner of the winery. Sally is excited to be a part of the team at See Ya Later Ranch. “What a magnificent experience seeing the Ranch for the first time,” she raves. “This vineyard site is breathtaking,” she continues. “What a treat to have the backdrop of a working ranch established in the early 1900s, to host our guests!” “We have a wonderful experience to share here at See Ya Later. Our Guest Services Team members possess a genuine passion for wine, people and of course dogs!” Sally’s professional and friendly hospitality style can also be experienced at See Ya Later Ranch’s sister winery Sumac Ridge Winery, with the Cellar Door Bistro, located in Summerland, BC. As the manager of hospitality at Sumac Ridge she would love to have visitors stop by anytime, have a bite to eat, a glass of wine (or two) and a sampling of Sumac’s uncompromising service experience!
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