Okanagan wine program pursues diversity

Photo: Contributed

Safana Gangji took the Equity in Wine Leadership program.

Black, Indigenous and people of colour who are interested in getting into the wine industry can get a leg up through an upcoming free education program.

Vinica Education Society’s Equity in Wine Leadership program will begin in Kelowna on Feb. 21 and run for two months. The course helps break down barriers for British Columbians from minority ethnic and racial groups to participate and advance in the B.C. wine industry.

The program includes globally recognized Wine & Spirit Education Trust credentials, BC Wine ambassador courses, mentorship from top international BIPOC wine pros, and internships at B.C. wine businesses.

Safana Gangji took the program and is now thriving in the wine industry.

“Thanks to Vinica, I’m working my dream job right now as an on-premise territory manager in Vancouver and Whistler,” Gangji said in a press release. “I get to meet people in the industry, try out some of the best restaurants in Canada and talk about wine all day.”

The hybrid program includes three weeks of classes in Kelowna, online learning and a two-week internship.

Vinica Education Society received $166,800 in funding for delivery of Equity in Wine Leadership through the Community Workforce Response Grant program.

More information about the program can be found here.