Ann Sperling

Considered a leading force in the Canadian movement towards organic and biodynamic fine winemaking, Ann has over two decades of experience in winegrowing, winemaking and consulting for successful winery start-ups.

Ann’s roots are deeply embedded in the terroir of winegrowing. Raised on a family vineyard in Kelowna, B.C., Ann began early on recognizing, developing, and appreciating the fine balance within the characteristics of the fruit and its effects on wine. She completed her Food Sciences degree at UBC and has continued her path of learning and exploration since she entered the wine industry full-time in 1984.

Ann’s talents were recognized in the early nineties when her 1992 Merlot won medals in every competition it was entered in, taking the Gold medal at the International Wine and Spirits Competition in the U.K. and Platinum at the Okanagan Wine Festival. Ann’s particular pride in this success is that Merlot has since become a more widely planted grape variety in the Okanagan Valley.

Ann has played pivotal roles in the start-ups of both B.C.’s CedarCreek winery and Niagara’s Malivoire Wine Company—where Pinot fans will remember she oversaw the conversion of the Moira Vineyard to organic.

In 2004, Ann was awarded with Winemaker of the Year at the Ontario Wine Awards. She was also just recently named Winemaker of the Year 2021 by the prestigious Cambridge Food & Wine Society and is the recipient of the coveted RIEDEL Award. 

Add to all this her various consulting projects and her own ancient Malbec vineyard in Mendoza and you’ll start to get an understanding how Ann loves to spend her time—immersed in the creation of fine wines!

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About Sperling Vineyards
Sperling Vineyards is located on the unceded territory of the Sylix Nation in East Kelowna, B.C. and is a family-run winery crafting intentional wines using organically grown grapes from B.C.’s oldest heritage vineyard. 

Sperling Vineyards has been four generations in the making, situated on land that has been stewarded by the family since the 1800s. The high elevation slopes of the vineyards and mineral rich soils on the east benches of Kelowna come to life through old vines and carefully crafted, interesting wines that highlight the terroir. 

The vineyards have been certified organic since 2017. 

Ann Sperling is the Head Winemaker, bringing decades of international winemaking experience home to her family's heritage hillside vineyard. The Sperling family combines love and labour with Okanagan sunshine to nurture wines of place and authenticity.