About Observatory
Giving you a look into my background and how I approach winemaking.
I focus primarily on Grüner Veltliner, shaped by my time working in Austria. But when a vintage truly stands out, I’ll occasionally have one-off wines to share.
My goal is to make the wines approachable upon release however, should you want to decant Observatory wines or cellar them, you’ll be rewarded.
Winemaker & Owner
Blair Gillingham
The symbolism of an observatory, a vantage point with a broad perspective, has stuck with me throughout my career. I’ve had the opportunity to work with many winemakers and viticulturalists who approach winemaking and grapegrowing very differently. Observatory Wines is the culmination of all of the experiences and viewpoints I've gathered.
I grew up in Saanich near the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory. We’d hike up as a family to look out through the huge telescopes to gaze over the southern end of Vancouver Island and up at the stars. The art on Observatory Wines’ label is a drawing of the observatory building by the talented Caledonia Mathieson, fading around the edges as our memories tend to do.
My start in the wine world kicked off during the 2001 harvest, at Sumac Ridge winery in Summerland, BC. I was 19 at the time, and starting at the very bottom. During my interview the head winemaker said, “You’ll be cleaning, lifting heavy sh*t, and, ummm, cleaning. Do you really want the job?” Indeed I did.
After a few years of seasonal work: cellar hand to ski bum to valet at a golf course, I headed abroad. I travelled and worked to gain practical, hands-on wine knowledge. From the Okanagan, Australia, New Zealand and Austria, I observed and learned everything I could from those experiences.
Now, almost 25 years after saying yes to that first job, I’m proud to be presenting wines that I truly believe in.
Thanks to everyone who has helped me along my journey, especially my family, who supported and encouraged my adventures around the world. And thank you to those in the industry for allowing me the opportunity to showcase my passion for wine. As past president and Cystic Fibrosis chair person of the Kinsmen Club of Summerland, I have years of admiration for this community where I now operate my business.
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