Our Story
GAVIN MILLER
Gavin’s passion for the vineyard and the terroir is expressed through his signature, hands-off, minimalist approach to winemaking. He is known in the industry for his big Bordeaux-style reds and has a distinct way of showcasing a wine’s varietal character.
He arrived in Canada from England in 1997 and was inspired by the burgeoning wine industry in the Okanagan Valley to learn how to grow grapes and make wine.
Like every great winemaker, his education started in the vineyards and moved into the cellar working for many of the established wineries in and around Penticton and the Naramata Bench, notably making award-winning wines for Poplar Grove and Painted Rock.
SHANA MILLER
Shana, a Nova Scotian, arrived in the Okanagan in 1995 from the Eastern Townships of Quebec and met and married Gavin. After a few years in the UK, the couple decided to call the Okanagan home and Shana found her passion. She learned the art of artisanal cheesemaking by the original cheesemaker at Poplar Grove, Sandra Chalmers.
With the purchase of Upper Bench in 2011, (in partnership with Wayne and Margareta Nystrom), and the building of a state-of-the-art creamery, Shana creates her own line of Upper Bench Blue, Brie, and washed-rind cheeses. Her creamery team is especially enjoying creating one-of-a-kind cheeses and sharing them exclusively with the Upper Bench Corks & Curds club members.
Gavin and Shana had long dreamed of combining their passions and in early 2011 that dream became a reality when they found the perfect property and partners, the Nystroms.
Margareta Nystrom was born in Sweden and previously worked in the Hotel industry there, prior to moving to Canada over 35 years ago. She continues to be very active in the family coffee business in Europe, fittingly named Wayne’s Coffee.
Our Crew
Terroir: Naramata, B.C.
Varietal: Winemaker-veriatas
Palate: Pinot Noir – earthy, elaborate & educated
Flavour: King Cole – noble!
Finish: Rarely is Joshua finished talking!
Vintage: September 2011
Terrior: Osoyoos, B.C.
Varietal: Corks & Curds Club Manager
Palate: Cabernet Sauvignon – Inviting, fun & strong
Flavour: Okanagan Sun – always a pleasure!
Finish: This happy lady likes to finish the day with a glass of wine and a good book!
Vintage: April 2014
Terroir: Missisauga, ON
Varietal: Wine Shop, Winery & Warehouse- the 3 W’s!
Palate: Viognier – refreshing & delightful
Flavour: Double Cream Brie – pairs with everything!
Finish: Prefers to finish the day with puppy cuddles and a smile!
Vintage: March 2019
Terroir: Clinton, B.C.
Varietal: Herder-veriatas
Palate: H20
Flavour: Not particularly picky when it comes to UB’s cheeses
Finish: Likes to finish each day with a biscuit
Vintage: January 2008 (born) 2010 (joined the UB family), crossed the rainbow bridge September 2021. We miss you Belly!
Loves to play fetch, but will never bring it (a ball, a stick, a twig, a weed, etc.) directly back to you because she likes to get a head start on the next throw. Don’t worry Emma will usually bring it to you – what else are little sisters for!
Terroir: Keremeos, B.C.
Varietal: Herder-veriatas
Palate: H20
Flavour: Gofers, grape skins & wasps
Finish: Always finishes with a lick
Vintage: July 2011
Loves to play, can jump ridiculously high for a girl with such short legs, and can be quite a lazy pup. She will often bring the ball, stick, twig or weed back that you throw for Bella, but is a little more reluctant to give it back and may keep it in her mouth for a while (or the day).