BCV Logo Gold

Team

Meet the Clergy

Here with a Flask of Wine beneath the Bough,
A Loaf of Bread, a Book of Verse — and Thou
Beside me singing in the Wilderness —
And Wilderness is Paradise now.

-Omar Khayyam-

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Evan Saunders

Winemaker

The perfect blend of Prairie charm and enological wit, Evan joined the congregation in 2014 as a cellar hand, rose to Assistant Winemaker, and was promoted to Winemaker at Blasted Church in 2017.

After completing a degree in microbiology from the University of Victoria, Evan moved to Ontario to study Grape and Wine Technology at Brock University. Applying his scientific background with wine was a perfect pairing. Returning to BC, Evan spent over three years learning the art of Bordeaux style reds at Osoyoos Larose, Oliver, BC, and traveled to Sonoma for a Pinot Noir harvest at Kosta Browne in Sebastopol, CA. Evan brings a wealth of red wine making experience to our winemaking team.

Since joining our team four years ago, Evan has been a driving force in the pursuit of stellar quality in our wine program. His contagious enthusiasm in the cellar, along with his finely balanced artistic and scientific approach to winemaking have made Evan the natural choice to spearhead our wine operations into the future.

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Tanya Martin

General Manager

Tanya is the general manager at Blasted Church winery in Okanagan Falls, BC. Before running one of Canada’s top wineries for the past 10+ years, Tanya started her career as a senior legal assistant. A role that supported her strong work ethic and the attention to detail, characteristics that have proved to be essential in her currently role.

Tanya had her introduction to the BC wine industry in 1994 as part of the administrative team of what is known today as See Ya Later Ranch. After this experience, she went on to work with other storied wineries including Hillside Estate Winery, Burrowing Owl Vineyards, and Hester Creek Estate Winery. Over the last 28 years Martin has been witnessing the growth and change of the industry and is considered one of the veterans of BC Wine.

Since joining the Blasted Church team in 2007 as general manager, Tanya has been instrumental in leading the organization through many changes and expansions. Involved in the community, she is in the director at large of the Okanagan Falls Skaha Bench Winery Association and director and treasurer with Highway to Healing Support Society in Oliver, BC.

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Ben King

vineyard manager

To say Ben loves vineyard life is something of an understatement. He has worked the vines at some of BC’s best-loved wineries, and praise to the heavens be that he (and his green thumb) has now joined the Blasted Church congregation.

After completing a Bachelor of Natural Resource Science Degree at Thompson Rivers University, Ben began exploring ways to immerse himself in the world of wines and vines. A WSET Level 1 certification was followed by a Viticulture Certificate from Washington State University, and a Vineyard Irrigation certificate from Okanagan College. All the while, he was honing his hands-on skills in the vineyard at various BC wineries as Lead Cellar Hand, Vineyard Supervisor, and Vineyard Manager.

Ben’s focus in the vineyard is to always be taking a holistic approach to grape-growing. This approach includes vineyard practices such as animal care and integration, holistic spray programming and floor management, organic viticulture practices, and a nurturing approach to his vineyard flock.

Jon Adrian. Architectural, winery and lifestyle photographer. Okanagan Photographer / Blasted Church Vineyards

Lisa Baxter-Burke

Experience Manager

Lisa has been a part of the hospitality business for over twenty years. She has become a seasoned wine professional working with premium wine agencies Empson and Winspeer/Trialto, and was the Sales and Marketing Director for Hillside Winery in Naramata. 

As co-owner and front of house expert, she ran the operations of Front Street Brasserie with a smile and deft hand. Her passion is bringing elevated customer service with a personal touch and ensuring that your experience at Blasted Church Vineyards will be enjoyable, fun, and one to always remember.

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Sean Morrison

Proprietor

Sean purchased a majority interest in Blasted Church in the summer of 2020 – Sean was attracted to Blasted Church because of its iconic brand in the BC wine industry.

Sean has been fortunate to have worked with many of Canada’s leading brands and businesses including: The Keg, lululemon, A&W, Aritzia, Mr. Lube, Boston Pizza and Air Miles Canada.

Sean will bring his experience with these leading Canadian brands and work with Blasted Church’s award winning wines, iconic brand and experienced management team. 

John Burke

Chef

Dave Courtemanche

Assistant Winemaker

Sue Johnston

Accountant Administrator

Jamie MacNeill

Cellarmaster

Cellar
Master

Luke Whittall

Direct Sales Specialist