Aaron Crey

Cellar Supervisor, Nk'Mip Cellars

As cellar supervisor at Nk'Mip Cellars, Aaron Crey is responsible for assisting with the winemaking and maintaining the cellar under the direction of winemaker Randy Picton.

A member of the Cheam Indian Band, Crey grew up Maple Ridge, BC and graduated from high school in 2000. After high school he spent a couple of years working on salmon rehabilitation projects for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and then when he wanted to try something different he moved to Osoyoos in 2002 for a change.

Crey worked for the next year and a half at the Nk'Mip Resort doing desk work. While not working, Crey noticed at parties and social events that everyone was drinking wine. And while Crey had tasted wine on rare occasions such as Thanksgiving with his parents, he other wise did not have a lot of exposure and he wanted to know more.

Even with no formal training Crey thought he'd like to work in a wine cellar, so he approached Nk'Mip Cellars winemaker Randy Picton. After some time the opportunity came and Crey started at Nk'Mip Cellars in September of 2003, just in time for harvest.

In 2004, to increase his skills, Crey completed the winery assistant program at Okanagan University College. Also to learn more, Crey travelled to see some other wine regions: Bordeaux and Saint-Emilion in France and various regions in Italy. Crey hopes to participate in an international winemaker exchange one day, and in January 2008 he is scheduled to take the viticulture program at the Okanagan University College.

Crey's favourite parts about his job are both in the cellar and out. "I am really happy working here," he says. "We all work very well together making the wines. What I really like as well," he continues, "is when I see people enjoying the wines. Sometimes in the summer I like to help pour wines in the wine shop so I can hear the feedback and learn where consumer tastes are going, without visitors necessarily realizing I make the wines. It makes me feel good when I hear how much people love our wines."

When not working, Crey enjoys listening to music, reading, and going to the gym.