Meet theTeam

Jon has spent the last seven years farming vineyards in both the Okanagan, BC. and Niagara, ON. After receiving a Viticulture Certificate from Washington State University, he put down roots in Penticton, BC. Farming for Earlco has allowed him to expand his knowledge by working with multiple wineries, winemakers, and vineyards. As a part of the Sustainable Wine Growing BC committee, he now focuses on sustainable farming practices that will help improve the health and longevity of our industry. During the winter, Jon teaches Viticulture at the Okanagan College, hoping to encourage the next generation of farmers to reach their full potential. 

Gurjinder was born and raised in the Punjab state of India.  With experience of farming rice and corn he moved to Canada in 1996.  Calling Okanagan home, he began farming orchards in 1998 then moving his focus and passion to vineyards a few years later. Gurjinder joined Earlco in 2012 and for the past 10 years has been leading crews in the Penticton and Naramata region. 

Born and raised in South Africa, Stephan lived in the Robertson Wine valley in Western Cape where he managed their wine and stone fruit family farm. In 2016 he moved to Canada and farmed grain in Saskatchewan until joining Earlco and moving to BC. Stephan proudly manages the Southern Okanagan Vineyards. 

"I pride myself in my efficiency, knowledge, and passion I have for what I do and strive to grow quality grapes the Okanagan way. I love my wife who grew up around grapes and love seeing my son grow into a little farmer himself as he takes so much interest in grape farming."

Joshua is our newest manager after joining the Earlco team in 2020. He started his experience in Okanagan agriculture as a research field technician from 2017-2019 in Okanagan Falls. In 2020 he graduated from Alberta's Olds College, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Applied Science: Horticulture. Joshua has a keen interest in soil science and biology. He is proud to bring his skills to Earlco and the vineyards of the Okanagan.

Colleen began her career in viticulture on a 10 Acre property in West Kelowna which soon bloomed into managing over 60 acres in the Kelowna area. She graduated from Washington State University Viticulture program in 2019 and is currently teaching the Viticulture program at Penticton College. She oversees the North Okanagan division at Earlco with a passion focused on vine and soil health.   

After finishing his Bachelor of Engineering  degree in Mechanical Engineering at The University of Aberdeen in Scotland, Dougie came to Canada chasing big mountains and fresh powder. He spent time travelling around BC living in Whistler, Nelson and Penticton while picking grapes with Earlco in the off season. After several seasons harvesting and an interest in viticulture he started a permanent role with the company and is now the Special Projects Manager.  Dougie oversees vineyard development projects work as well as adding more viticulture focused courses to his repertoire.