Wine Growers British Columbia Welcomes New Board of Directors
New and returning directors bring industry expertise and a
shared commitment to advancing BC as the world’s next great wine region
Wine Growers British Columbia (WGBC) welcomed its 2026-27 Board of Directors following the organization’s Annual General Meeting, held virtually on September 9, 2026.
Five directors were elected at this year’s AGM, including one new director and four returning directors, representing wineries of all sizes from across British Columbia.
Interest in Board service was particularly strong this year, with multiple candidates seeking election in the medium winery category. WGBC views that engagement as a positive reflection of an industry committed to shaping its future through leadership, collaboration and collective action.
The directors elected are:
-
Vincent Ong, Andrew Peller Limited, elected by acclamation to a full three-year term as a Large Winery Director after completing the balance of Greg Berti’s term following his retirement.
- Joey Cotroneo, Iconic Wineries of BC, elected by acclamation to complete the current term of a Large Winery Director seat after assuming the role mid-term.
- Paul Sawler, Dirty Laundry Winery, elected to a two-year term as a Medium Winery Director.
- BJ Tumanut, JoieFarm Winery, elected to a three-year term as a Medium Winery Director.
- Mike Dowell, Liber Estates, re-elected by acclamation as a Small Winery Director.
Following the AGM, the Board of Directors re-elected Paul Sawler of Dirty Laundry Winery to serve as Chair and Josh Stewart of Arterra Wines Canada to serve as Vice-Chair for 2026-27.
Lorne Folick of Dolden Wallace Folick LLP continues to serve as Independent Director, while WGBC President and CEO Jeff Guignard serves as an ex-officio, non-voting member of the Board.
“BC wine is entering a pivotal period, and I am excited about what this Board can accomplish together,” said Guignard. “We have a strong mix of continuity and fresh perspectives around the table, along with experienced leadership from Chair Paul Sawler and Vice-Chair Josh Stewart. The engagement we saw through this year’s election process reflects an industry committed to working together to advance our shared vision of making BC the world’s next great wine region.”
WGBC also extends its sincere appreciation to the recently retired Mark Sheridan of Hester Creek Estate Winery for his service to the Board and the BC wine industry. His leadership, experience and dedication have made a meaningful contribution to the organization and its members.
2026-27 WGBC Board of Directors
- Vincent Ong, Andrew Peller Limited – Large Winery Director
- Joey Cotroneo, Iconic Wineries of BC – Large Winery Director
- Josh Stewart, Arterra Wines Canada – Large Winery Director and Vice-Chair
- Paul Sawler, Dirty Laundry Winery – Medium Winery Director and Chair
- Angela Lyons, Quails’ Gate Winery – Medium Winery Director
- BJ Tumanut, JoieFarm Winery – Medium Winery Director
- Mike Dowell, Liber Estates – Small Winery Director
- Michael Bartier, Bartier Bros. – Small Winery Director
- Lauren Skinner-Buksevics, Painted Rock Estate Winery – Small Winery Director
- Lorne Folick, Dolden Wallace Folick LLP – Independent Director
- Jeff Guignard, Wine Growers British Columbia – Ex-Officio
ABOUT WINE GROWERS BRITISH COLUMBIA
Since 1990, WGBC has played a pivotal role in taking BC’s wine industry from a vision to an internationally recognized niche region producing premium wines and providing exceptional wine tourism experiences. WGBC markets the wine and regions of BC; delivers quality trade, media and consumer tastings; and acts as the voice of BC’s wine industry by advocating to government on behalf of industry that contributes $4.1 billion in provincial economic growth annually.
WGBC represents all wineries in British Columbia to grow the premium market share for the Wines of British Columbia, while driving awareness of our world-class wines and tourism product – as of 2019 drawing 1,191,500 visitors with $783.7million in tourism and tourism employment related economic impact on an annual basis.
For more information about Wine Growers BC programs and services, please visit WineBC.com.
For details on the Wines of British Columbia, go to WineBC.com.