Enotecca uncorks success
Few people have sampled 200 wines a month just for work. Working with the B.C. Liquor Control Board, Anthony Buree spent ten years doing just that. While he samples only a handful today, his passion for wine is stronger than ever. Anthony is the general manager of Enotecca Winery & Resorts. His ardent mission is to put B.C. – and Enotecca – on the map as one of the world’s leading wine producers.   

“B.C. has some of the best grapes and the best growing areas in the world. We have outstanding soil, we get more sunlight than any other wine-making region in the world, and we have a desert climate that helps us control irrigation,” he explains.

So why hasn’t B.C. emerged as a major player on the international stage? According to Anthony, Canada’s domestic market has a lot to do with it. When it comes to wine, Canadians consume all the wine that is produced locally, while countries like France and Italy have to rely on exports. As a result, Canada hasn’t been forced to compete at the same level as everyone else.

Anthony and Enotecca’s founders, Sean Salem and Greg Thomas, hope to change all that. The trio are the masterminds behind Enotecca Winery & Resorts, based in Oliver, B.C.

A taste of luxury
Anthony says the management team wanted to offer guests a distinct experience, which is why Enotecca was created. “We’re planning to combine three boutique wineries with luxurious villas where guests can enjoy the ultimate in comfort and relaxation,” explains Anthony.

While Anthony had considerable industry experience, starting a winery from scratch was new to everyone. As a result, they needed an advisor who could assist them throughout all stages of the process. The team learned of MNP while securing financing through the Farm Credit Corporation.

MNP appealed to Enotecca for two key reasons: Proven experience advising other B.C. wineries and an ideal geographic reach. Enotecca’s head office is based in Vancouver, while the wineries are situated in the Okanagan Valley. According to Anthony, finding a firm with multiple locations has been a huge asset to Enotecca, providing quick, easy access to all the resources they need.

Advisors with MNP’s Vancouver, Abbotsford, and Kelowna offices have worked closely with the Enotecca team to assist them with a wide range of business issues, from tax planning to performance management.

“We’ve had an excellent relationship with MNP, and as we continue to expand, it’s reassuring to know MNP can provide us with the expertise we need to make informed decisions,” says Anthony.

MNP advisor Geoff McIntyre is working closely with Anthony to develop an inventory costing system for the winery. The system will help determine the cost of producing each vintage, taking into consideration everything from management to reporting.

“Once we have the system in place, it’ll be a great advantage for us in terms of monitoring our costs and determining whether the price we’re charging is on target,” says Anthony.

For his part, Geoff says helping Enotecca get their first winery off the ground has been tremendously rewarding.

“I’ve really enjoyed finding out more about the wine business, learning more about where the Enotecca team wants to take their business, and advising them on how to get there.”

Geoff adds that when it’s time to visit the winery, “No one here in the office feels sorry for me!”

An evening to remember
This past summer, Enotecca’s first project, a French-style winery named Le Vieux Pin, was unveiled in grand style with a private concert featuring Blue Rodeo’s Jim Cuddy.

“Jim tasted our wine in Toronto, and liked it so much he offered to sing at our grand opening,” says Anthony.

The guest list included the Who’s Who of Vancouver’s elite, including TV personality Terry David Mulligan, The Food Network’s Robert Feenie, and Vancouver Canucks hockey player Trevor Linden. 

“It was a superb evening, and really set the stage for launching our next resort,” says Anthony.

The next vintage
Enotecca’s second project, Lastella, a Tuscan-style resort and winery, is scheduled to open in 2009. A third resort, the Spanish-style Selona, is expected to open in 2010.

“MNP is continuing to advise us as we move forward, which is a great asset in helping us stay on track,” says Anthony.

While Enotecca is busier than ever, Anthony says everyone at the winery loves what they’re doing. “We all have a job we enjoy, and we have a really happy team.”

At the end of the day, unwinding with a glass of premium wine – made right in your own backyard – probably doesn’t hurt either.

To find out more, contact your local MNP advisor.

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