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Randy PictonWinemaker, Nk'Mip Cellars
Randy Picton joined Nk'Mip Cellars as winemaker in 2002 in time for the new state-of-the art winery's first harvest. Picton, who left a successful established Okanagan winery to take on the challenge of working in an at-the-time brand new winery, is a talented, innovative winemaker. Working closely with Inkameep Vineyards vineyard manager Sam Baptiste and the staff at Inkameep Vineyards, Randy's dedication to the craft of winemaking starts in the field where careful consideration is given to cropping levels, fruit exposure, monitoring of the irrigation and timing of the harvest. "My winemaking philosophy is to pay attention to detail in the vineyard to produce the best possible grapes, and then carry this practice to the winery," says Picton. "This ensures that the expression of the vineyard is displayed in the bottle." Under Picton's direction, the Nk'Mip Cellars Pinot Noir recently captured Best in Show at the Vancouver Magazine Wine Awards. The winery has also introduced a series of reserve wines called Qwam Qwmt that have met with critical acclaim. The Merlot was presented with an "Award of Excellence" from BC's Lieutenant Governor while the Meritage won a Best of Class at the L.A. County Fair wine competition. Picton, a non-native, is training youths from the Osoyoos Indian Band to assume winemaking duties for Nk'Mip Cellars. Several young band members are currently taking the Winery Assistant Certificate Course at Okanagan University College and working in the winery cellar under Picton's watchful eye. |