Robert Bell's
Wines of Canada
Since 1992
Featured Winemaker
Sydney Valentino
I am always happy to hear when a girl from my home town Winnipeg makes good in Canada's wine Industry. In April of 2023 Sydney Valentino was appoint head winemaker at Sandhills Wines. Sydney initially planned to become a high school math and science teacher, but a summer job at Calona Winery sparked her passion for winemaking,
She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of British Columbia and a Winery Assistant Certificate from Okanagan College.She joined Andrew Peller Ltd. over ten years ago, where she gained experience across various brands, including Cooper Moon and Peller Family Vineyards, starting as a non-VQA winemaker.
Sandhill located in the heart of Kelowna is a prestigious Okanagan winery known for terrior-driven, single vineyard wines. Here Sydney would have huge shoes to fill as she was mentored by the legendary Howard Soon. For his work in the industry Howard received the Order of Canada.
Another well know winemaker Sandy Leir also helped shape Sydney's winemaking philosophy. - One of her standout projects includes the creation of Sandhill’s first-ever sparkling wine, the 2020 Blanc de Blancs, a 100% Chardonnay made in the traditional Champagne method. Sydney described it as “fun,” “exciting,” and “good tasting,”
“Sandhill is this amazing bridge between history and modern winemaking,” says Valentino. “
With over 20 varietals including Rosé and unique Italian varietals such as Barbera and Sangiovese, Sandhill offers wine drinkers a full experience with a range of options to choose from. Sandhill’s rich history,
In 2005, Andrés Wines Ltd. (now known as Andrew Peller Limited) acquired Calona Vineyards and its sister winery, Sandhill Wines, in a major consolidation move within the Okanagan wine industry
Other featured pages:
~ Featured Winemakers
~ Featured Wine
~ Featured Winery
~ Women of Wine
