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For Harry McWatters, winemaking is
both a passion and a business–
which is why the pioneering industry
veteran is moving his newest winery into a
converted movie house
b y F E L I C I T Y S T O N E p h o t o g r a p h y b y D A R R E N H U L L
t's called wine business for a reason,"
says Harry McWatters, explaining why he's converting a former movie
theatre in downtown Penticton to a winery. It's just the latest twist in a
distinguished career that spans nearly half a century. In a tough industry,
McWatters has succeeded by making the most of opportunities and e•-
ciencies without compromising the quality of his wine.
Today he's at Local On Lakeshore, a restaurant next to the Summerland
Waterfront Resort Hotel on Okanagan Lake, enjoying lunch and a glass
of McWatters Collection 2012 Meritage with his daughter, Christa-Lee
McWatters Bond. She owns the restaurant with him and her husband,
Cameron Bond, and is director of marketing in the family business, Encore
Vineyards Ltd. McWatters is controlling shareholder and
CEO. His son,
Darren, is production manager.
JULY/AUGUST 2017 BCBUSINESS 121
Vintage
Harry
