Owner of Seven Stones Winery in Similkameen passes away
Sad news for the B.C. wine industry this week as George Hanson, owner of Seven Stones Winery in the Similkameen, passed away suddenly in his home on the evening of Sunday, Feb. 7, 2021.
George spent the first part of his life in the Yukon working in telecommunications. He fell in love with the wine industry and when he had the opportunity to purchase his winery and vineyard property in the Similkameen, he began living his dream. He was a passionate member of the B.C. wine world and beloved by many. He is survived by his wife Winona, his son Christopher, his stepsons Colin and Rowan and his brother Terry and sister Ellie.
I had the opportunity to work with George for many years as the former editor of Food & Wine Trails Magazine and loved his enthusiasm and excitement he infused into his craft. There are tributes being posted all over social media by friends and colleagues.
“George taught me not only the groundwork about wine and marketing it, but also about the universal law of attraction, alternative natural medicine (due to his experience with losing Vivianne), and about seizing opportunities and living your dream. I am grateful for my time with him, he was a wonderful person and treated me like a daughter,” said Jesce Baessler, Corcelettes Estate Winery.
“He believed in me from the beginning and supported me as I got my start in B.C.'s wine industry. I was honoured to be able to work with George and his then-wife Vivianne before she passed away on the marketing and events at Seven Stones Winery. George was an incredible advocate of the B.C. Wine Industry, the Similkameen wine region and the entire Similkameen. He just reached out to me to wish me a happy birthday. His birthday advice to me was "In these times, stay positive and test negative," said Kim Lawton, DogLeg Marketing.
“I’m so shocked and sad to hear about the passing of George. He was such a fantastic guy. Passionate about our industry and an all-round fun guy," said Christa-Lee McWatters.
Rest in peace, George.
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