Robert Bell's
Wines of Canada
Since 1992
Featured Winemaker
Aaron Crey
Winemaker Aaron Crey is someone who put the time and effort into the wine industry before becoming the winemaker at Apricus Cellars in the District Village. He spent 17 years working at Nk’Mip North America’s first aboriginal owned winery. He was guided by renowned winemaker Randy Picton. Aaron spent most of his time as Cellar Supervisor. He is a member of the Cheam Indian Band.
“In the beginning all I knew about wine was that there’s a red one and a white one, and I liked some more than others but I wasn’t sure why,” laughs Crey. “Randy showed me how to uphold the highest quality of standards throughout the entire production from grape to bottle.”
Born and raised in the Fraser Valley, Aaron Crey split his time between Chilliwack and Maple Ridge, before venturing to the South Okanagan, where he has family with the Osoyoos Indian Band.
"[They] suggested I try working a summer in Osoyoos until I figured out my ‘next move.’ I had never visited Osoyoos before, but I thought ‘why not? What could go wrong?” Crey said with a laugh.*
“I enjoyed the South Okanagan so much, I wondered what type of career I could pursue to stay in this beautiful area I call home. Winemaking was a year round employment option, and when I learned how involved and challenging it is, and all of the factors that go into making high quality wines I thought, ‘This is really something I can dig into and keep my interest for years to come.’ I developed a passion for the process,” explained Crey.*
His first winemaking experience as head man was at Vinter's Cove Winery. When plans where made to open Apricus co-owner Sam Baptiste approached him about the winemakers position, which Aaron accepted.
Aaron loves to work with Syrah and while doing so he enjoys a wide range of music.
When talking about the Okanagan wine industry Aaron says "There is a lot of history here. Really brilliant people, who have helped shape the Okanagan wine industry have gravitated towards this place, and I think that’s really unique,”
* From an article posted by Castanet
Other featured pages:
~ Featured Winemakers
~ Featured Wine
~ Featured Winery
~ Women of Wine
~ Robert's Selections
