Who we are
BCGA represents wine grape producers on agricultural issues and concerns, and works with other industry organizations, provincial and federal governments, and farming organizations to represent, promote and advance the interests of wine grape growers in BC.
We’re a nonprofit organization bringing elected officials, industry, and grape farmers together to collaborate, understand challenges, and shape solutions for agriculture.
Membership is voluntary, and we fund the organization through annual membership fees.
Objectives of the BCGA:
To support wine grape growers.
Educate on best practices for viticulture and Integrated Pest Management.
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:
Business Economics for grape growers
Business Risk Management (Insurance and Other Tools)
Government Lobbying & Advocacy
Government Grants & Funding Programs
Health & Safety
Industry Collaboration
Industry Research & Data-Driven Decisions
Labour & Workforce Needs
Market Access & Grape Sales
Sustainable Viticulture
Starling Control
Vine Health & Plant Protection
Water & Climate Issues
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 designed to grow with you—and move you forward.
We’re a non-profit organization representing all wine grape producers on agricultural issues and concerns in British Columbia.
We work with other industry organizations and provincial and federal governments to represent, promote and advance the interests of all wine grape growers in BC.
Meet The Directors
Members elect the Board annually at the Annual General Meeting and Growers Day.
Our dedicated Board members are volunteers and 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 viticulturist with extensive experience in the wine industry. He is currently the Vineyard Manager at Frind Estate Winery and works with unique varietals at Terravista Vineyards. He also shares his expertise by 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 and grew 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 the 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 and quickly advanced to a management role. In 2001, he moved to Arterra Wines Canada, where he is now Director of Western Viticulture and oversees 1,100 acres. Troy believes in the value of collaboration and collective learning, which contribute to the BC wine industry’s success.
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. Notably, in 1975, Dick Stewart was among the 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
After 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 Ukraine's largest wineries. 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 enologist 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 that produces premium red wine grapes. 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 supporting fellow growers, Parm brings a practical, grower-focused perspective.
Meet The Support Crew
The Board-selected Support Team provides administration, finance, and marketing services as contractors to ensure the BCGA operates smoothly.
Our dedicated team, who balance their roles with other commitments, is passionate about the organization's growth and improvement. Each member brings extensive industry knowledge and great enthusiasm, eager to guide and support the BCGA.
Veronica Vinge - Board Admin, Memberships & Sponsorships
Veronica is a pragmatic business consultant with over twenty years of experience, specializing in non-profit governance and prioritizing member service and support. She serves as the primary point of contact for all member and sponsor inquiries. Veronica collaborates closely with the Board and partners to ensure smooth communication and support for grape growers throughout British Columbia.
Melanie Schuld - Bookkeeper
Melanie is an exceptional bookkeeper at a winery in Naramata, possessing extensive industry knowledge. She manages all invoicing and bookkeeping for the BCGA and provides the Board with regular updates from the accounting dashboard. Her meticulous, detail-oriented approach drives her to keep improving our record-keeping processes, ultimately saving the BCGA time and money.
Kate Millard - Marketing & Communications
Kate spent ten years working on the marketing team at Tinhorn Creek Vineyards and Maverick Estate Winery, and she is passionate about supporting the BC wine industry. With her extensive industry experience and strategic marketing skills, she enhances communications for BCGA members by managing newsletters, printed materials, the website, and social media.