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Wineries welcome new additions

Two South Okanagan wineries welcomed winemakers to their respective teams
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Serendipity Winery announced Bradley Cooper

Naramata’s Serendipity Winery has welcomed Okanagan winemaker Bradley Cooper as the newest member of its team.

Cooper is an award-winning winemaker and consultant with a background in journalism and restaurants.

He currently lives on the Naramata Bench with his wife, Audralee Daum, where he created his own Black Cloud Pinot Noir brand six years ago.

While Cooper’s brand will be produced at Serendipity it will remain a private label managed by himself and Daum.

Cooper arrives at Serendipity after working nine vintages at Township 7 Vineyards and Winery.

Serendipity owner Judy Kingston is thrilled to have Cooper as the newest addition to their winemaking team and is looking forward to the upcoming harvest.

“Serendipity is about the real magic in life,” said Kingston.

“The moments of unexpected but fortunate discovery. When Brad decided to join our winery family we knew it was one of those magical moments, and just in time for our 2014 harvest.”

He joins Kingston, Katie O’Kell and vineyard manager Craig MacKenzie at the winery, located on 10 acres of vineyards at 990 Lower Debeck Rd.

In 2013 the winery was named B.C. Winery of the Year at the New York International Wine Competition.

Meanwhile, at Blasted Church Vineyards near Okanagan Falls, Elaine Vickers has been promoted to winemaker.

Vickers joins ranks with herw mentor, winemaker Mark Wendenburg.

Her career began at Jackson Triggs Okanagan Estates, before joining Blasted Church in 2010.

Vickers is a masters of science graduate from the University of Victoria. She also holds a Graduate Diploma in Oenology from the University of Adelaide.

Blasted Church Vineyards is committed to producing quality wines, and has adopted a creative approach when it comes to the  winemaking process.

It is located at 378 Parsons Rd.