Why we do what we do

Anthony Buchanan considers wine on a unique aesthetic level. He appreciates all angles, nuances, and depths. A native of Victoria, BC, Anthony comes from a successful twenty year career in hairdressing which imbued a sense of personal fulfillment in revealing a person’s beauty.

His love of wine began early in life and he became an Opimian Society member at 26. With his first taste of a Gevrey-Chambertin, Anthony was hooked on Pinot Noir. Seeking a change in lifestyle Anthony dove into the world of wine with the goal of being a sommelier. He completed the Wine and Spirit Education Trust Level 1 and 2 and the International Sommelier Guild Level 1. During those studies, the art of making wine became a fascination that altered his trajectory. He was going to be a wine maker.

He completed the oenology program at Washington State University and moved to the Okanagan. One of his first cellar jobs was at Blue Mountain Vineyards, one of the most celebrated Pinot Noir producers in B.C. His first job as wine maker in 2012 was at Eau Vivre Winery, where Pinot Noir has a celebrated history and Anthony’s pinots took many top honours. In 2016 he became the winemaker at Desert Hills Estate Winery.

Acknowledgments

Over the course of my career I’ve had the pleasure of working with 3 of the most accomplished winemakers in the Okanagan.  In my opinion these individuals are not only extremely talented, passionate, seasoned winemakers but most importantly they are down-to-earth, honest people and I’m very fortunate to have been able to learn from each of them. Thank you Matt Mavety, Jim Faulkner, and Michael Bartier.