‘Ask Us’ Mini-Series -- Culmina Family Estate Winery

Another great interview in our ‘Ask Us’ mini-series. Today we sat with proprietors and owners of Culmina Family Estate Winery, Don and Elaine Triggs — keep reading below to learn more about what drives these two industry pioneers!

What excites you most about BC wines?

D: The fabulous quality and diversity

E: What’s happening in the Okanagan Valley with the quality of wines. The changes that have been made and the real development of the vineyards. Since we’ve been involved I see a lot of people making a lot of substantial changes.

What do you love most about the industry?

D: The people!

E: Well, I’m the numbers person but I very much like promoting and selling our wines — I love meeting our consumers!

If you weren’t working in the wine industry, what industry could we find you in?

D: Agriculture, growing something!

E: I’ve always enjoyed the arts, so I would find something in that industry to get involved in

What’s your biggest accomplishment?

D: My family.

E: There’s many, but one that really thrilled me was working with Frank Garey for the Le Clos Jordanne

What is the most defining moment in your career?

D: Leaving the family ranch in Manitoba.

E: I have made many major changes — I went from teaching and following my passion for art, to being a full-time mom, to becoming a chartered accountant, to owning a vineyard and now to this [the winery] — which is really the pinnacle.

Most memorable lesson in the industry:

D: Be patient — we’re growing grapes!

E: Learning that we are continuing to learn every day.

If you could have dinner with any winemaker in the world, who would it be?

D: One: Mr. Antoine Merlo, and two: Jean Charles Boisset