Christa-Lee McWatters

President and CEO 

Christa-Lee McWatters is president and CEO for ENCORE Vineyards Ltd., home to Evolve Cellars, sibling winery TIME Winery, and premium label, the McWatters Collection. Daughter of BC Wine legend Harry McWatters, Christa-Lee was born in one of the most traditional families in British Columbia wine industry and has amassed a breadth of experience that covers nearly all aspects of wine production. 

Additionally, she is the current chair of the BC Wine Institute and a director of the Canadian Vintner’s Association. Christa-Lee carries on her family legacy by embracing new business opportunities and supporting many charitable causes throughout the Okanagan and beyond.

Known for her love of bubbles and ready smile, Christa-Lee can often be found sipping a glass of something effervescent. 

Graham Pierce

Director of Winemaking 

Graham is the director of winemaking for Evolve Cellars and sibling winery TIME and McWatters Collection. He gathers more than a decade of experience producing award-winning wines in the Okanagan. Prior to joining the TIME Winery team as director of winemaking in 2018, Graham had a stint as chef at Kelowna’s Summerhill Pyramid Winery before being responsible for exceptional BC wines including the premium Nota Bene from Black Hills Estate Winery. 

Darrien McWatters

Production Manager 

Darrien McWatters is the production manager for Evolve Cellars, TIME Winery and McWatters Collection and oversees packaging, warehousing, shipping, distribution and bottling for the three labels. Darrien’s experience in the wine industry began in 1980 with her father on the Black Sage Bench, expanding to management positions in successful wineries across Western Canada. As a side duty, she also serves as an on-call firefighter.

Lynzee Schatz

Winemaker 

Lynzee is the winemaker for Evolve Cellars, TIME Winery and McWatters Collection and joined the team in 2019 to work alongside Graham Pierce. Schatz has a Bachelor of Wine Science from Charles Sturt University and has completed vintages at several wineries in California, Australia, Ontario. After gathering this precious experience, she decided to return home to the Okanagan.

Gina Gagné

Wine Club Manager 

Gina Gagné is the wine club manager for Evolve Cellars. With a diverse resume of experience in the hospitality industry, Gina is committed to delivering top notch service for every customer. A seasoned traveler, Gina believes that BC wines can stand out amongst selections from old world winemaking regions, and is excited to share that passion with her guests.

Kelley Shaefer

Hospitality Manager 

Kelley Shaefer is the hospitality manager for Evolve Cellars and TIME Winery. He has been involved in the wine industry for more than 20 years. Over the past decade, Schaefer has had diverse food and beverage management experiences in the hospitality industry spanning from Japan, British Columbia, and the UK. As a wine specialist, Kelley has garnered three Wine Spectator awards and is a certified WSET instructor.

Chelsea Dumayne

Events and Sales Coordinator

Chelsea Dumayne is the events and sales coordinator at Evolve Cellars and TIME Winery and Kitchen. She gathers over 14 years of experience in the hospitality industry behind her having worked for notorious hotel chains and tourism organizations such as Hilton Hotels & Resorts and Tourism Whistler. Chelsea is responsible for managing the planning and implementation of the various events at both wineries.

AK Campbell

Executive Chef

Executive Chef Alexander Keith Campbell, known as AK, oversees the catering and events menu for Evolve Cellars and is the creative force behind the small plate program at sibling winery, TIME. Chef AK has extensive experience and has previously led kitchen teams in hotels, resorts, and wineries in the Okanagan. He believes in the importance of simplicity in his use of ingredients and working with the seasons to make his dishes truly shine.

IN MEMORIAN - Harry McWatters

Considered the grandfather of the modern BC wine industry, Harry had celebrated his 51th BC vintage in 2018. The former CEO and president of Evolve Cellars, TIME Winery and McWatters Collection, passed away in July 2019. His legacy is now upheld by his grown children Christa-Lee and Darrien McWatters. Harry’s rich career had taken him through the start-up and ownership of several successful BC wineries. He was the founding chair of many landmark organizations including the BC Wine Institute, VQA Canada, the BC Wine Information Society, Okanagan Wine Festivals Society and the BC Hospitality Foundation. We all #raiseaglassto Harry and all he has done for the industry.