Korol Kuklo

Assistant Winemaker

what I do: lead the harvest, oversee fermentation, blend, barrel, bottle

“I think we need to taste this again. Or maybe a few more times.”

I started working at Tinhorn Creek in 1998, in the cellar with Sandra Oldfield. It was just after my move from the Lower Mainland and a pretty big career change. At first, I worked in the lab as the lead for quality control. The move to Stelvin twist-offs? That was partly me.

The facts: I have a Diploma in Food Service from Langara College; before winemaking, I worked as a food service technician in hospitals and healthcare institutions; there’s a good chance I have the most Boston Terriers in the Okanagan.

Andrew Moon

viticulturist / vineyard manager

what I do: determine what the vines need, lead the farming team

“Pardon me, but that meeting is during the hockey game…”

I moved from Australia to British Columbia in June 2009. That was an interesting harvest for BC vineyards – the one with three days of sub-zero temperatures in October when many grapes were still on the vines. But not our vines. I’d say I caught on pretty quickly.

The facts: I have a Diploma in Viticulture from Melbourne University, a Trade Certificate from Brit Bendigo, and I studied Geography at the University of Newcastle; I worked at Ormonhill Vineyards, Colbinabbin Estate, and Freeman’s Bridge; I’ve been known to make a really good stout beer.

Morna Cassidy

brand manager

what I do: Guardian of the brand and lead the brand marketing team

I joined the Tinhorn Creek team in 2019. I grew up in Ontario, with detours in London, Belfast and NYC before finally calling Vancouver ‘home’ in 2011. My job at Tinhorn Creek fits perfectly with my awe of this beautiful province and all its land inspires, including terroir driven wines.

Patricia Leslie

estate manager

what I do: Oversee the hospitality operation, ensuring the guest experience is so memorable that we develop a long term relationship with wine lovers.

“What’s the ROI on that?” 

I have worked in the tourism industry since 1997, starting with Tourism Whistler, then Vancouver advertising agencies, followed by supporting 2010 Olympic Winter Games activation, and managing an Olympic venue.  In 2016 I moved to Kelowna to join the Andrew Peller team where I managed Sandhill and then Gray Monk.  I love Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cab Franc and of course Rosé …so Tinhorn Creek is the perfect fit!  I may have grown up as a “Coastie,” but my heart is in the Okanagan. 

The facts: I have a Diploma in Graphic Design and a Degree in Art History/Communications, plus UBC Sauder School of Business courses and WSET II Certification.  I have completed Ironman Canada and climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, but now I’m happy hiking with my Hubby and dog, then making dinner with locally-sourced ingredients paired with delicious Okanagan wine. 

Mike Johnson

Retail and Experience manager

what I do:  Oversee the tasting room, design and lead tours and experiences. Make sure all guests have world class experience and learn something new about wine.

“How many cases of wine can I get for you?”

In 2019 I moved to the Okanagan Valley. Originally from Ontario - where I worked at Peller Estates. I fell in love with food in economics class in my first year of university, where I spent most of the class researching food and recipes. I then explored the way food and wine paired together beautifully. I fell in love with wine in my third year of university and decided to focus on all things wine. You would catch me reading up on wine regions of France the night before a finance exam. 

The facts: I studied at Western University, where I was a Varsity Cheerleader, I was Top 40 on MasterChef Canada Season 3, and then did my Post Grad in Wine Business Management in Niagara.

Muriel Allen

dtc manager

what I do:  oversee the  Crush Club and design and execute e-comm offers.

“I can ship that to you”

I’ve worked at Tinhorn Creek since 2001. Like many other people who make BC their home, I’m originally from ‘somewhere else’; in my case, it was Saskatchewan, then Banff and Saltspring Island before finally calling the Okanagan ‘home’ in 1999. My job at Tinhorn fits perfectly with my love of wine and food.

The facts: I completed the Winery Assistant Program at Okanagan College (formerly OUC); I have a background in retail and the restaurant industry; on my days off I can be found scouring local flea markets in search of art project materials.