Wine Growers British Columbia Welcomes New Board of Directors
New and returning directors bring industry expertise and a shared commitment to advancing BC as the world’s next great wine region.
Kelowna, British Columbia – Wine Growers British Columbia (WGBC) welcomed its 2026-27 Board of Directors following the organization’s Annual General Meeting, held virtually on September 9, 2026.
Five directors were elected at this year’s AGM, including one new director and four returning directors, representing wineries of all sizes from across British Columbia.
Interest in Board service was particularly strong this year, with multiple candidates seeking election in the medium winery category. WGBC views that engagement as a positive reflection of an industry committed to shaping its future through leadership, collaboration and collective action.
The directors elected are:
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Vincent Ong, Andrew Peller Limited, elected by acclamation to a full three-year term as a Large Winery Director after completing the balance of Greg Berti’s term following his retirement.
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Joey Cotroneo, Iconic Wineries of BC, elected by acclamation to complete the current term of a Large Winery Director seat after assuming the role mid-term.
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Paul Sawler, Dirty Laundry Winery, elected to a three-year term as a Medium Winery Director
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BJ Tumanut, JoieFarm Winery, elected to a two-year term as a Medium Winery Director.
- Mike Dowell, Liber Estates, re-elected by acclamation as a Small Winery Director.
They join continuing directors Josh Stewart of Arterra Wines Canada, Angela Lyons of Quails’ Gate Winery, Michael Bartier of Bartier Bros. and Lauren Skinner-Buksevics of Painted Rock Estate Winery.
Following the AGM, the Board of Directors re-elected Paul Sawler of Dirty Laundry Winery to serve as Chair and Josh Stewart of Arterra Wines Canada to serve as Vice-Chair for 2026-27.
Lorne Folick of Dolden Wallace Folick LLP continues to serve as Independent Director, while WGBC President and CEO Jeff Guignard serves as an ex-officio, non-voting member of the Board.
“BC wine is entering a pivotal period, and I am excited about what this Board can accomplish together,” said Guignard. “We have a strong mix of continuity and fresh perspectives around the table, along with experienced leadership from Chair Paul Sawler and Vice-Chair Josh Stewart. The engagement we saw through this year’s election process reflects an industry committed to working together to advance our shared vision of making BC the world’s next great wine region.”
WGBC also extends its sincere appreciation to the recently retired Mark Sheridan of Hester Creek Estate Winery for his service to the Board and the BC wine industry. His leadership, experience and dedication have made a meaningful contribution to the organization and its members.
2026-27 WGBC Board of Directors
- Vincent Ong, Andrew Peller Limited – Large Winery Director
- Joey Cotroneo, Iconic Wineries of BC – Large Winery Director
- Josh Stewart, Arterra Wines Canada – Large Winery Director and Vice-Chair
- Paul Sawler, Dirty Laundry Winery – Medium Winery Director and Chair
- Angela Lyons, Quails’ Gate Winery – Medium Winery Director
- BJ Tumanut, JoieFarm Winery – Medium Winery Director
- Mike Dowell, Liber Estates – Small Winery Director
- Michael Bartier, Bartier Bros. – Small Winery Director
- Lauren Skinner-Buksevics, Painted Rock Estate Winery – Small Winery Director
- Lorne Folick, Dolden Wallace Folick LLP – Independent Director
- Jeff Guignard, Wine Growers British Columbia – Ex-Officio
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Media Contact
Kelly Josephson, Wine Growers BC
KJosephson@WineBC.com
250-869-2476
