Bram Bolwijn’s ability to pour his passion and enthusiasm into every glass of wine is very well known throughout the Okanagan Valley. Bram developed an early interest in the hospitality industry back in his home country, the Netherlands, where he studied Tourism and Hospitality in post-secondary education.

Following his studies, Bram worked in various local restaurants and like many others before him, he quickly began to the discover the jewel that is the world of wine. As his thirst for more wine knowledge grew, Bram knew he needed to expand his roots to provide himself with the best opportunity to progress his learning. His ambition brought him to Bordeaux, France where he would spend the next 2 years completing his Sommelier Accreditation, after which he would then gain experience working in Michelin Star restaurants.

These actions ultimately prepared Bram with an unparalleled ability to deliver exceptional wine and hospitality service. Now that had completed his education and gained experience working in the industry, Bram set his eyes on his next adventure in the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, Canada.

Even though his love for wine belonged to the old world, Bram knew that breaking away from the traditional old-world style for the innovative new-world style would provide him with the juxtaposition he was searching for.

Since joining Mission Hill Family Estate, Bram has prided himself as and an ambassador for the Canadian wine industry. As an ambassador, Bram utilizes his wine knowledge and work experience to share the unique story of Canadian wines as he knows that these are the efforts that need to be made in order to bring our wines to the international market.

As a young leader working in the wine and tourism industry, what most excites Bram about the future here in the Okanagan Valley is that there are so many more opportunities for him to deepen his roots in the valley, which he believes is just like a young grape vine would feel.