Winemaker Rob Summers announces retirement at Hester Creek Estate Winery
Hester Creek Estate Winery has become one of the B.C. wine industry’s most recognized brands and consistent wine labels. Much of this success is due to the man behind the wines, Rob Summers.
This kind man, beloved in the industry for his commitment to community and known for his open-door policy, has just announced his retirement.
Originally from Niagara, Summers has had a long winemaking career, which first began in Ontario in 1987. He joined Hester Creek in May 2006 and was instrumental in overseeing the design and construction of Hester Creek’s sustainably built, state-of-the-art winery in 2008, the winery said in a news release. He has led the Hester Creek winemaking team for the past 14 years, substantially expanding their portfolio of wines in that time.
“Rob has been a huge part of Hester Creek’s incredible success, in growing the company from a small 6,000 case winery to the 60,000 case production today,” said Mark Sheridan, President, Hester Creek Estate Winery. “His talents and great sense of humour will be missed by our team, and we wish him well in his well-earned retirement.”
Hester Creek’s cellar is being managed by long-time winemaker Mark Hopley and Assistant Winemaker Rebecca Ruggeri. Formerly with Sumac Ridge Estate Winery, Hopley has been a winemaker with Hester Creek since 2013. Last year Ruggeri was promoted to the newly created position of Assistant Winemaker. She has international experience working several years in the cellars and labs of premium wineries across New Zealand, Australia and California.
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