Meet Kristy French. She's a winemaker from Perth, Australia, and has lived in Kelowna for the past 6 years!
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
Any of my 3 sisters. It's relaxing, and they're all funny.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Frock and Fellow always find something different.
Describe yourself in one word.
Energetic.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Italy. For the wine, food, and fashion.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Hiking, beaches, and wine tasting.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Year 11 at school, while I was on crutches my friend pulled my skirt up over my head in front of the cool hot year 12 boys! Because of the crutches under my arms, I couldn’t pull it back down.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Went to a talk by Dr. Nichola Hall on fermentation nutrition. She was an amazingly smart and knowledgeable older lady. I thought to myself, 'Wow! I wish my grandma was as smart as her.' I want to be that smart grandma one day. Never stop learning.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Going to horse camp with my sister.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
As a mother of 3 young kids with a winemaking career, I don’t have a lot of spare time. But I do my best to do a good deed whenever I see the chance. Whether it be giving an old homeless man a bbq chicken at Xmas or helping an old lady with something she has dropped. I believe in spreading the love.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Get rid of arrogance.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Hike up to one of the amazing viewpoints. Rose Valley trails are one of my faves.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Better shopping downtown and more kid-friendly wineries and restaurants. Just because we have kids doesn’t mean we don’t like to go out.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The lake, beaches, wines, and hiking trails.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. A trip around the world
2. Hang gliding
3. Drinking wine I can’t afford
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I’m a Mum of 3 under-4-year-olds.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Facebook, Instagram.
What is the name of your business/organization?
The View Winery
Why did you get into/start this business?
Growing up in the Swan Valley, a beautiful wine region in Australia. And it combines my two passions: art and science.
What is the goal of your business?
To make the best wines possible from the grapes we grow on site.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Motherhood.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Start having kids earlier.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you, and be thankful for what you have.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Always be grateful and kind, tomorrow is not promised, so make the most of today - love and live passionately. Never stop learning.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
The Rock, Dwane Johnson.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Encourage growth within the community.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Becoming a winemaker and a Mum.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My husband, James Doerksen. He’s my rock and keeps me sane. He has worked so hard to start his own construction company, Knox Frame and Form, so he can stay home rather than work away from town. And Jennifer Molgat, President of The View.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Dr. Taryn Cass
Some general comments I would like to share are:
I love the way the winemakers in the Okanagan wine industry are so willing to help each other, with the common goal of making the best possible wine our region can make.
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!
