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. 

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 joined the team in 2019 and is the winemaker for Evolve Cellars, TIME Winery, and The McWatters Collection.  Schatz has a Bachelor of Wine Science from Charles Sturt University and has completed vintages at several wineries in California, Australia, and Ontario. After gathering precious experience in other wine regions, she decided to return home to the Okanagan to pursue her winemaking career.

Chelsea Dumayne

Events and Sales Coordinator

Chelsea gathers over 16 years of experience in the hospitality industry behind her having worked for various hotel chains and tourism organizations such as Delta Hotels, Hilton Hotels & Resorts and Tourism Whistler. Chelsea is responsible for event sales, as well as managing the planning and implementation of the various events within the winery.

AK Campbell

Executive Chef

Alexander Keith Campbell, known as AK, is the creative force behind the culinary team at TIME Winery & Kitchen, the current home of Evolve Cellars. He develops sensational menus that compliment our wines for both the restaurant and private events. 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 MEMORIAM - 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.