Fort Berens Estate Winery was established by Dutch immigrants, Rolf de Bruin and Heleen Pannekoek. Rolf and Heleen embarked on the venture in 2005, when they left the Netherlands and shifted from corporate careers to living and working on a farm. With the founding of Fort Berens, Rolf and Heleen turned their lifelong dream of running a vineyard and winery into a reality.
Initially, the founders sought to purchase property in the Okanagan for the business. However, they found it difficult to secure a suitable and affordable property upon which to start the business in this part of British Columbia. Shortly thereafter, two experienced B.C. viticulturists, Richard Cleave and John Vielvoye, pointed them in the direction of Lillooet, located in B.C.’s scenic Fraser River Canyon.
It was in Lillooet that former mayor and long-time resident, Christ’l Roshard and her husband Doug Robson had initiated a program several years earlier to test for the suitability of growing grapes commercially in B.C.’s Fraser Canyon. The program was a success and all that was needed was someone willing to plant the first commercial vineyard.
After much study and careful consideration, following in the footsteps of the pioneers that travelled to the region 150 years earlier in search of gold, Rolf and Heleen moved to Lillooet, planted a 20 acre vineyard and opened Fort Berens Estate Winery.
During the start-up phase of the business, the founders recognized that success would be dependent upon their putting together the very best team available. It was at this point that Rolf and Heleen were introduced to renowned B.C. vintner, Harry McWatters, who agreed to act as strategic consultant to the new venture.
Harry, together with industry specialist, John Vielvoye, helped prepare the initial Fort Berens site study and business plan. Consulting viticulturist, Richard Cleave, provided - and continues to provide - guidance and direction in the viticultural area.
In May 2010 and February 2011, the team was further strengthened when ownership of the winery was expanded by way of a major investment from Toronto and Vancouver-based mining and investment banking executives, Hugh Agro, Sean Harvey, John McConnell and Jason Neal.
This latest wave of Lillooet explorers appreciates fine wine and was intrigued by the potential for growing grapes and making premium quality wines in the region. Hugh, Sean, John and Jason’s investment provided Fort Berens with the means to purchase the winery’s 65 acre estate property located on the Fraser River, expand operations and commence construction of a new 10,000 case wine making facility and wine shop.
Long known as a rugged timber, ranching and railroading center, Lillooet offers an attractive climate, fertile bench lands and stunning views. With the expected completion of Fort Berens’ new winery facility and wine shop in late 2011, Lillooet is expected to become a growing new destination for wine and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Fort Berens Estate Winery is managed by founding-owners and directors, Rolf de Bruin and Heleen Pannekoek. Also serving on the company’s board of directors are Rick Thorpe, former Jackson-Triggs executive and Okanagan MLA and Minister of Provincial Revenue and co-owner and former mining executive and investment banker, Hugh Agro.
Fort Berens is fortunate to have a great winemaking team, led by Bill Pierson, former assistent winemaker at Cedar Creek. Tom Dibello, former head-winemaker at Cedar Creek provides consulting support to help ensure that the company continues to produce premium quality wines.
Vineyard Manager, Armand Foisy, is another important member of the team and is responsible for managing the vineyard crew that works through the seasons on the various tasks involved in caring for the vineyard.
Georgia Colton looks after the existing wine shop facility and attends to guests that stop by to sample and buy Fort Berens’s lovely wines.
Fort Berens enjoys enthusiastic support from local, provincial and federal members of government as well as the Lillooet Chamber of Commerce and a number of important community residents including Christ’l Roschard, Kathy Grossler, Doug Robson and Jerry Sucharyna. The winery owes a debt of gratitude to these groups and individuals for their past and continuing support.
