The Wine Maker - Derrick
Power
"I personally
prefer fruit wines because they appeal to everyone, the public does not
have to be an expert wine connoisseur to know what they like, and it feels
good to know that I am creating a wine that is used at so many events and
parties filled with the joy of friends and family. Seeing the smiles on
the faces when they taste the wines is such a reward.
There are now a few things in the works, I am interested in creating mead,
kiwi wine, and possibly a currant, or flower wine. I would also like to
develop an Iced Strawberry Dessert Wine. My personal favourite wines would
be the White Cranberry, and the Fortified Blueberry."
Derrick Power -
Winemaker
Biography
Derrick was born in Hamilton
Ontario, yet he truly consider BC his home. At a very young age his family
moved to Northern BC, where he spent most of his childhood. Family was
always an important part of his life, his mother being French-Canadian and
his father being from Newfoundland meant large family gatherings filled
with food, drink, and laughter. The Power family then moved to Vancouver
Island during his teen years and after graduation he decided to venture
out on his own and began working in construction full time.
It
was during this time that Derrick helped construct the building that now
houses The Fort Wine Company. Talking with
Dominic Rivard, the
winemaker at The Fort Wine Company, got him interested in the idea of a
winery. He started working in the winery store front. Eventually he began
to work more with Dominic and less in the store taking on more of the
winemaking responsibilities all the while studying under Dominic and going
to school. Dominic was an excellent teacher, being a very respected
winemaker himself he was willing to share a wealth of knowledge guiding
Derrick at every turn.
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