our team
Harry McWatters
President & Chief Executive Officer
Harry is a 49 year veteran of the thriving British Columbia wine industry. In 1980 he founded Sumac Ridge Estate Winery, the first estate winery in the province; subsequently, he founded See Ya
Later Ranch Estate winery in 1995. When Harry sold both operations to Vincor Canada in 2000, he remained President of Sumac Ridge and See Ya Later Ranch and was a Vice President of Vincor Canada
until he “retired” in 2008 and established the Vintage Consulting Group. Since, Harry has launched TIME Estate Winery and the McWatters Collection. He co-developed
the ENCORE Vineyards Ltd. business model.
Instrumental in founding VQA Canada and serving as its first chairman, Harry is also the founding chair of the BC Wine Information Society, the BC Hospitality Foundation, and numerous festivals
and events
focused on the BC wine industry. Harry received an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from Okanagan
University College and in 2003 received the prestigious Order of British Columbia for his services to the
BC wine industry.
Christa-Lee McWatters-Bond
Director of Marketing
Christa-Lee has been part of the BC wine industry since birth. Growing up as the daughter of BC wine ambassador Harry McWatters instilled in her a true appreciation for and love of wine - which included her making wine when she was 9 years old (not for public consumption, of course). She has worked with wineries large and small, from the tasting room to the boardroom. In 2015, Christa-Lee launched Evolve Cellars with the ENCORE Vineyards Ltd family.
Known for her love of bubbles and ready smile, Christa-Lee can often be found sipping a glass of something effervescent.
about EVOLVE CELLARS
Every choice you make has intention - to accomplish, create, and grow.
Join us at Evolve Cellars and be surrounded by vineyards with a spectacular view across Okanagan Lake. Bring a picnic or enjoy lunch at the onsite restaurant, relaxing on one of our sun-drenched patios, glass in hand.
Our bright, airy tasting room is hosted by friendly and knowledgeable staff and features carefully selected gifts. Outside, the breathtaking grounds offer a perfect setting for your wedding or event - including reunions, yoga or corporate retreats.
Raise a glass to yourself, today.
For each step you take and all you try to achieve, we #raiseaglassto you.
