The Canadian wine industry is evolving in remarkable ways. Once dominated by well-known regions like the Okanagan Valley, it is now seeing emerging areas step into the spotlight, bringing fresh character and unique terroir to the table. Wine lovers are increasingly seeking bottles that not only taste exceptional but also carry a story of passion, perseverance, and place. This shift is giving rise to small yet ambitious producers determined to challenge long-held assumptions about where great wine can be made.
Cannon Estate Winery in the Fraser Valley embodies this new chapter. Rooted in a vision to prove that their home can rival Canada’s most celebrated wine regions, the team behind Cannon has embraced both the challenges and rewards of pioneering winemaking in a place many once overlooked. Their journey is a blend of grit, inspiration, and the simple joy of following a dream.
A Vision to Redefine the Fraser Valley.
At Cannon Estate Winery, the mission is clear: to create wines of top calibre while proving that the Fraser Valley is an exceptional place to grow and craft them. The region’s cool climate, fertile soils, and growing wine culture offer immense potential, even if it has been underestimated in the past. By investing time, expertise, and unwavering belief in their land, Cannon is helping to shape a new perception of what is possible here.
Proprietors Andi and Justin Manuel moved to the Fraser Valley a decade ago to start their family. Their lives in Mt. Lehman with their two boys, Tate and Rudy, and their loyal dog, Daisy, were already full, but their entrepreneurial spirit pushed them to explore a shared passion for wine. What began as a simple idea soon became a mission to plant a vineyard that could stand shoulder to shoulder with Canada’s best.
From Idea to Action.
The inspiration to plant a vineyard was sparked by the time Andi and Justin spent in the Okanagan, biking along the Kettle Valley Railroad and visiting the Naramata Bench. When they purchased 20 acres of land without a set plan, those summer memories became the seed of a bold idea. Bringing in an experienced viticulturist and winemaker, they worked tirelessly to optimize the property and create ideal growing conditions.
Despite expert advice from established winery owners, they often heard the same caution: the Fraser Valley was not the place to build a premium winery. At their most uncertain moment, Justin turned to Andi and declared, “It’s too late…the wick is lit.” This became the spirit of their venture and the inspiration for the name Cannon Estate Winery. For them, it symbolizes the moment an idea takes hold and there is no turning back.
A Team Built on Passion and Expertise.
Cannon’s success is powered by a team that blends skill with a shared love for wine. Winemaker and Vineyard Manager Jacob Medeiros now leads production, perfecting each bottle with a deep respect for the land. His expertise shapes the character of the wines and carries forward the vision Andi and Justin set in motion.The guest experience is guided by Front of House Operations Manager Brittany Watters, one of Cannon’s very first hires who joined before the winery even opened in 2022. She is supported by Floor Supervisor Michelle Hayes, whose warmth and dedication have made her a guest favorite, and Lounge Manager Tätum Koser, who brings small-town charm and extensive hospitality experience. And of course, there is Daisy, the Head Greeter, who ensures that every visitor is welcomed with genuine enthusiasm.
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