Our Winemaker

Seth Jex

Winemaker (2026-Present)
Assistant Winemaker (2021-2026)
Curious. Passionate. Innovative.

Seth Jex was appointed Winemaker at Fort Berens Estate Winery in May 2026 after spending five years as Assistant Winemaker. Working alongside our former winemaker Alessandro (Alex) Nel, Seth helped craft the Fort Berens portfolio while developing a deep understanding of Lillooet’s distinctive terroir and growing conditions.

A graduate of Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI), Seth also holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Northern British Columbia. Across 11 harvests, he has gained hands-on winemaking experience in British Columbia, Washington, Ontario, South Africa, and New Zealand.

In preparation for his promotion to winemaker, Seth created the Here & There collection of wines for Fort Berens. He spent two months during the 2024 harvest in Washington as onsite winemaker. He met with growers and selected top quality vineyards in the spring, and then returned in the fall to monitor fruit quality, determine picking dates, oversee fermentation, and then he coordinated the return of the unfinished wines back to Lillooet. From this collection, the Here & There Chardonnay 2024 received 92 points and was named the top Chardonnay from all the Crafted in BC replacement wines at the 2025 National Wine Awards of Canada.

Sustainability is central to Seth’s approach to winemaking. Since 2022, he has helped lead Fort Berens through its Sustainable Winegrowing BC certification journey, reflecting his belief that great wines begin in the vineyard.

Deeply connected to the Lillooet community, Seth is also the founder and cidermaker of Lillooet Cider Co. As Winemaker, he is committed to honouring the Fort Berens legacy while continuing to explore the potential of Lillooet through every vintage. 

Alessandro (Alex) Nel

Winemaker (2021-2026)
Passionate. Focused. Progressive.

Alessandro (Alex) Nel embarked on his winemaking journey with a passion for excellence. Joining Fort Berens Estate Winery as our Winemaker & Viticulturist in January 2021, Alex brought with him a wealth of experience and a desire to elevate our wines to a world-class level.

While at Fort Berens, Alex worked with Seth Jex as our Assistant Winemaker from 2021-2026. When Alex returned to South Africa in 2026, Seth was well poised to take over as our Winemaker.