LITTLE ENGINE WINES WELCOMES ANDREW WINDSOR AS WINEMAKER
A new era unfolds on the Naramata Bench as
Scott Robinson steps into the role of Wine Director
Little Engine Wines is pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew Windsor as winemaker, succeeding founding winemaker Scott Robinson, who assumes the newly created role of Wine Director. The appointment reflects continued momentum on the Naramata Bench, a region increasingly defining the standard
for Canadian wine.
“Nicole and I started Little Engine because we believed this place could produce something extraordinary, and Scott proved us right”, shares winery owner Steven French. ”Bringing Andrew into the fold feels like a natural next step, and frankly, it’s one of the most exciting moments we’ve had since that first vintage.”
The transition is both deliberate and deeply personal. Robinson and Windsor first met at the University of Adelaide, where both completed graduate degrees in oenology. After more than fifteen years of parallel careers spanning Australia, New Zealand, France, and British Columbia, they are now reunited at the winery Robinson has shaped since its first vintage in 2014.
“Andrew and I have known each other for a long time, and we have a similar passion and palate for producing Okanagan wines,” says Robinson. “The Estate vineyards are maturing and showing identities that are exciting for the wines to come. This isn’t a departure – it’s an expansion.”
Windsor brings 25 years of winemaking experience across four countries. A Toronto native, he began in Niagara before earning a Master’s in Oenology in Adelaide. His career includes Marlborough, the Northern Rhône, and British Columbia – notably as Chief Winemaker at Tinhorn Creek Vineyards and most recently as co-owner and winemaker at Maverick Estate Winery. It was Robinson who first convinced him to visit the Okanagan 16 years ago – and the region made its case.
“Little Engine has always been about precision and restraint,” says Windsor. “The quality of the fruit here, and the thoughtfulness of what Scott has built – it’s exactly the kind of program I want to be part of.”
As Wine Director, Robinson will oversee the winery’s broader wine program and long-term vision, while Windsor leads vineyard strategy and cellar operations. The continuity of style is intentional: detail-driven winemaking, block-by-block fermentation, and a deep respect for what the Naramata Bench delivers.
Founded in 2011 by Steven and Nicole French and opened to the public in 2016, Little Engine has earned international recognition under Robinson’s hand. The portfolio, built on Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and small-lot single-vineyard wines, has become a benchmark for the region.
At the Decanter World Wine Awards, the winery’s 2018 Gold Pinot Noir earned 95 points – the highest score awarded to any Canadian Pinot Noir that year – and the 2016 Gold Chardonnay received 92 points, the highest-scoring Canadian Chardonnay in the competition. These are just two highlights from a long list of national and international recognition the wines have earned.
Collector’s Note: The current releases represent the final vintages made solely under Scott Robinson’s leadership. For collectors and long-time supporters, these wines mark the close of a founding chapter – and are available now through the winery’s website and at the tasting room.
Little Engine is now open Friday through Monday this month and will open daily as of May 1.
About Little Engine Wines
Little Engine Wines is a small-lot, estate-driven winery on the Naramata Bench in Penticton, BC. Founded in 2011 by Steven and Nicole French, the winery opened in 2016 with a focus on crafting site-driven wines from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The portfolio spans four tiers – Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Elevation – defined by small-batch precision, block-by-block fermentation, and minimal intervention in the cellar.
Little Engine has established itself as one of the Naramata Bench’s leading producers, earning national and international recognition for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, including top scores at the Decanter World Wine Awards. Today, the winery’s program is led by Winemaker Andrew Windsor and Wine Director Scott Robinson, whose combined experience continues to guide Little Engine’s focus on precision, quality, and expression.
For more information, visit littleenginewines.com.