Meet CheckMate Artisanal Winery’s New Winemaker

We chatted with CheckMate Artisanal Winery‘s Spencer Kelly to see what he’s bringing to the … barrel. —Vita Daily

Please tell us a bit about yourself to start.

I was lucky to grow up in the Okanagan Valley in the town of Kaleden. I moved to California to pursue my passion for winemaking and grape growing. After completing my studies in Enology and Viticulture I moved to the Napa Valley and was able to work at some amazing places and with inspiring people. The pull to return home to practice my craft in my home region was always strong, and after 12 years I have returned to the Okanagan with my wife and two young daughters. We love to be outside and do all the fun things (skiing, swimming, boating, hiking) available in this area.

Congrats on joining CheckMate Artisanal Winery! What does your new role entail?

In my new role I am the winemaker and GM at CheckMate. I am responsible for the overarching direction of the winery and am humbled by this opportunity to craft wines in my home region. I am thrilled to join the incredibly dedicated CheckMate team and am excited to continue the legacy of these incredible wines.

You’re returning to the Okanagan from the Napa Valley; how do the two areas compare in terms of winemaking, and what are you most looking forward to about being back in B.C?

I have a deeply held belief that small-scale winemaking, with a focus on unique geology and careful attention in the vineyard, can achieve greatness. I’m most excited to dive deep into the details of the vineyards we farm and see what we can do to express their individual character. There are many differences between Napa and the Okanagan Valley in terms of climate, soils, and most suitable grape varieties. In Napa Valley, a big challenge is the extremely high temperatures very close to harvest. I’m looking forward to harvesting under more cool conditions here in B.C.

How have you seen B.C.’s wine industry change over the years? Where do you see it going in the future?  

I see our region continuing to mature and improve, becoming more focused on the grape varieties that truly thrive in our specific microclimates. In the south Okanagan where CheckMate is located, I feel strongly that the climate is idyllic for growing Chardonnay and Bordeaux red varieties. I think the sky is the limit for our region. 

Tough question, but do you have a favourite CheckMate wine? 

The wine that really resonates with me is our Queen Taken Chardonnay. Located on the Golden Mile Bench in Oliver, the vines were planted in the mid-1970s and the wine they produce is beautifully floral and elegant. It is very distinctive and stands out for me in our lineup.

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