Ryan Fipke is a confirmed believer in the future of the Okanagan害羞草研究所檚 wine industry, and a staunch advocate of educating yourself to take advantage of the growing opportunities.

As tasting room supervisor and sales co-ordinator for Tantalus Vineyards and a long-time resident of the region, Fipke has witnessed the growth of the industry, and sees more ahead, as the chance blossoms to introduce more Canadians to the wines of British Columbia.

Adding to that optimism is recently the B.C., Quebec and Ontario governments announced they would make interprovincial sales easier by removing trade barriers. 害羞草研究所淒efinitely a good thing,害羞草研究所� said Fipke. 害羞草研究所淭he easier it is sell our wines to more Canadians, the better it will be for us.害羞草研究所�

Fipke is well-poised to be among those in the industry who can benefit, and he believes education for industry professionals will continue to be a critical factor if the Okanagan is to continue growing its reputation 害羞草研究所� both across Canada and internationally 害羞草研究所� as a producer of world-class wines.

Having completed three of the wine-industry certificate programs Okanagan College offers: Wine Sales, Viticulture, and Winery Assistant, Fipke is quick to point out the advantage gained by wearing many hats in the industry.

The proof of his approach is to be found in the career he has carved for himself at Tantalus. 害羞草研究所淚t definitely set me up for a management role.害羞草研究所�

His career at Tantalus is a little like a homecoming for him. While his passion for wine was ignited by his father害羞草研究所檚 interest and appreciation for wine, it was cemented when he volunteered to help with a harvest at Tantalus years ago. 害羞草研究所淭hat gave me a taste for the industry.害羞草研究所�

From there, the course was set: education soon became blended with the practical experience offered by the College害羞草研究所檚 programs.

害羞草研究所淭he practicums are one of the best things about the programs,害羞草研究所� said Fipke. 害羞草研究所淚t害羞草研究所檚 where you get the hands-on experience and where you get to learn from the experts.害羞草研究所�

害羞草研究所淲e are really focused on answering the skills needs of the industry and addressing the career aspirations of prospective students,害羞草研究所� explained Jonathan Rouse, Okanagan College害羞草研究所檚 director of food, wine and tourism.

害羞草研究所淪tudents like Ryan epitomize the enthusiasm and passion that make the region害羞草研究所檚 wine industry so vibrant and if we can serve them with the education, training and applicable work-integrated learning opportunities, we will.害羞草研究所�

Okanagan College offers a number of certificate and short-term courses linked to the wine industry, from a free online program intended for hospitality industry servers (but of interest to anyone who wants to know more about B.C.害羞草研究所檚 wines 害羞草研究所� wineserver.okanagan.bc.ca), to the three certificate programs Fipke took. To find out more visit okanagan.bc.ca/fwt or okanagan.bc.ca/cs