Who we are
BCGA represents wine grape producers on agricultural issues and concerns, and works with other industry organizations, provincial and federal farming organizations to represent, promote and advance the interests of wine grape growers in BC.
We’re a nonprofit organization bringing elected officials and grape farmers together to collaborate, understand challenges, and shape solutions for agriculture.
Membership is voluntary, and funding is derived from annual membership fees.
OBJECTIVES OF THE BCGA:
To support wine grape growers.
Educate on best practices for viticulture, IPM and acreage statistics.
Maintain strong relationships with the government, wineries, related industries, and horticulture organizations.
Work towards stable and profitable markets for BC’s wine grapes
BCGA REPRESENTS GROWERS IN:
Plant Import Regulations
Risk Management Programs
Crop Insurance & CAIS
Farm Practices
Rural/urban Land Use
Water Use & Conservation
Environmental Farm Planning Program
BCMAL Cost of Establishing a Vinifera Vineyard
What we offer
From in-depth workshops, representation, advocacy, viticulture reports and a starling control program to newsletters and classified ads …
Our grape growers’ resources are made to grow with you—and move you forward
We’re a non-profit organization representing all commercial wine grape producers on agricultural issues and concerns in British Columbia. We work with other industry organizations, provincial and federal organizations, and all levels of government to represent, promote and advance the interests of all wine grape growers in BC.
Meet The Directors
The Board is elected annually by the members at the Annual General Meeting and Grower Day. Our dedicated Board all volunteer their time and are passionate about making a difference. Each brings a wealth of industry knowledge and a heart full of enthusiasm, eager to guide and support you.
Bobby Ercego - President
Bobby is a viticulturalist with extensive experience in the wine industry. Currently, he is the Vineyard Manager at Frind Estate Winery and works with unique varietals at Terravista Vineyards. He also shares his expertise through teaching WSET classes and leading the Wine Growers British Columbia Ambassador Program.
Jody Subotin - Vice President
Jody grew up in vineyards and began his career at Hawthorn Mountain Vineyards in 1997. He has worked at Osoyoos Larose, planted vineyards from the ground up and studied biodynamic agriculture. Jody is currently the Vineyard Manager and Managing Partner at Le Vieux Pin and Lastella Wineries.
Devin Methven - Treasurer
Devin strives to live by the philosophy that "great wine is made in the vineyard". Over the last decade as a viticulturist, he believes that he’s just starting to understand this relationship between the vine and the land. As Director of Viticulture at Mark Anthony Group, Devin grows Bordeaux varieties for several wineries in the Okanagan Valley.
Jarnail Brar - Director
Jarnail comes from a farming family, growing up picking berries in Abbotsford. In 1999, his family bought a vineyard on the Black Sage Bench, and they now own over 100 acres of vineyards, orchards, and ground crops. Jarnail values building community among growers and the opportunity to share knowledge, adapt, and keep the industry moving forward.
Dapinder Gill - Director
Dapinder worked in vineyards while studying for his Bachelor of Business at UBCO. He is also a Chartered Accountant. He serves on the boards of Wine Growers BC and Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association. Dapinder is the VP of Finance at Dirty Laundry Vineyards and also maintains his own 25-acre vineyard in Oliver.
Troy Osborne - Director
Troy began his viticulture career at Quails’ Gate Vineyards, quickly advancing to a management role. In 2001, he moved to Arterra Wines Canada, where he is now Director of Western Viticulture, overseeing 1,100 acres. Troy believes in the value of collaboration and collective learning, which contribute to the success of the BC wine industry.
Rowan Stewart - Director
Rowan is just one of the fourth generation of Stewarts actively involved at Quails' Gate Winery, providing insights, particularly on the Rosemary's Block Chardonnay. Rowan studied Viticulture and the Stewart family farms 400 acres of land. Of note, in 1975 Dick Stewart was one of the very first to plant Pinot Noir in the Okanagan, laying the foundation for what would later become the winery’s flagship red variety.
Gagan Dhaliwal - Director
Gagan grew up working in family vineyards and completed the Viticulture Certificate at Okanagan College. He also learned from his father and uncle, long-time growers in the Okanagan. Gagan thrives on the challenges farming brings each season at S&B Dhaliwal. He joined the BCGA Board of Directors to help build the industry for future generations and strengthen BC's reputation as a world-class wine region.
Gary Zhygailo - Director
Graduating from Odesa University of Technology with a Bachelor’s in Food Science in 2002 and a Master’s in Fermentation and Winemaking Technology in 2003, Gary worked as a cellar hand at one of the largest wineries in Ukraine. He was promoted to assistant winemaker and then to cellar manager. Before joining his current employer, Chaberton Winery in BC, as Winemaker, he worked as an oenologist and technical sales representative for a French producer of enology equipment.
Parm Brar - Director
Based in Osoyoos, British Columbia, Parm is part of a family-run vineyard operation focused on premium red wine grape production. Having grown up on the farm, he was brought up in the industry and developed a strong, practical understanding of vineyard management from an early age. Committed to contributing and supporting fellow growers, Parm brings a practical, grower-focused perspective.
Meet The Support Crew
The Support Team, selected by the Board, provides administration, finance and marketing services as contractors to keep the BCGA running. Our dedicated team all provide their time and services around other commitments, and are passionate about growing and improving the organization. Each brings a wealth of industry knowledge and a heart full of enthusiasm, eager to guide and support the BCGA.
Veronica Vinge - Board Admin, Memberships & Sponsorships
As a pragmatic business consultant with over two decades of experience, Veronica brings a strong background in non-profit governance, along with a strong focus on member service and support. Veronica is your main point of contact for member and sponsor inquiries. She works closely with the Board and partners to keep information flowing smoothly and to support the work of grape growers across BC.
Melanie Schuld - Bookkeeper
Melanie is an accounting superstar at a Naramata winery, with a thorough knowledge of the industry. She keeps all the BCGA invoicing and bookkeeping on track and provides the Board with regular updates from the accounting dashboard. Meticulous and detail-oriented, she is always looking for ways to make our record-keeping more efficient and to save the BCGA time and money.
Kate Alexandra - Marketing & Communications
Kate worked on the marketing team at Tinhorn Creek and Maverick Estate Winery for a decade and is passionate about supporting the BC wine industry. She combines her comprehensive industry experience and strategic marketing skills to enhance BCGA member communications through newsletters, this website and our social media.
Contact us
Got questions? Fill out some info, and we will be in touch shortly. We’re here to help.