Before we officially opened our doors, we threw a friends/family/construction crew party to say thank you to everyone who had helped us along our journey. The highlight for us was the surprise visit from some members of Kwantlen First Nation – my siblings and I are members of Kwantlen – achieving our First Nations status through our Mother’s heritage. They arrived in a group and started singing and drumming their way into our party and we have to admit, it took our breath away! They blanketed Jamie and I (a huge honour) and did a few more songs for us. Then, Chief Marilyn Gabriel said a few words expressing Kwantlen’s happiness for us and their pride that one of their members had opened a winery. It was truly moving and Jamie and I will never forget this beautiful gesture.
FYI – we have two children, both in their twenties. They are kind and smart and funny and they are pursuing dreams of their own – our son is in Forestry and our daughter in the middle of a business degree. At this point, neither of them shows any interest in the winery and that’s okay with us. We are very proud of them and their independence but what makes us even happier as parents is that they are proud of us! And, if one day they decide to become involved in the winery, that would be cool too.