fbpx

Meet Our Team

HomeMeet Our Team

Gina Fernandes Harfman

Owner/Winemaker

Gina is owner, winemaker and leader of the team at Nostalgia Wines. She’s the fourth generation from her family to sink her hands into South Okanagan soil.  She’s a proud mom to son Jaxson, born in 2011, and daughter Vida, born in 2015. The family lives on the winery’s 17-acre property.

Gina attended Fine Art school in Kelowna, airbrush courses in Las Vegas and was working airbrushing and pinstriping hot rods and motorcycles. She made her first wines with grapes from her father Ken Harfman’s vineyard for a family function in 2009.

“It was a Gewurtztraminer and a Merlot, and I custom pinstriped the labels,” says Harfman. “I had to make a lot of wine, knowing my family. And I loved doing it, so September 2009 I enrolled in Okanagan College to learn more about winemaking.”

She worked at Cassini Cellars as assistant winemaker and began helping with crush at Nostalgia Wines (then called Oliver Twist) in 2010.  In 2012 Harfman took over ownership of the winery when she was just 32 years old. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Gina is a classic car lover, and has a 1961 Chevrolet Bel Air fondly called “Ollie” after its previous owner. Those who have visited the property will remember her 1938 Chevy truck blooming with pink petunias in summer months. Following her love of hot rods, Nostalgia Wines is host to an annual Show, Shine ‘n’ Wine Classic Car Show.

Gina is happy to accept a glass of any Nostalgia Wine, and her favourite wine to make is Meritage. “I feel like a mad scientist, trying all the different combinations and percentages of wines in the blend until I get it just right. This wine is very special to me, as part of the Family Collection, since the grapes come from my Home Vineyard and my parent’s vineyard in Osoyoos.”

Gina Fernandes Harfman is owner and winemaker of Nostalgia Wines in Oliver BC

Sheila Whittaker

General Manager

Sheila’s journey through life has been as diverse and rich as the wines she now manages. Growing up in Osoyoos, she witnessed the transformation of the region into a renowned wine destination. Her thirst for exploration led her to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism in Ottawa, which became the launchpad for an adventurous career spanning across Japan, Greece, Ireland, Scotland, Montreal, and Vancouver.

In 2019, drawn back to her roots, Sheila returned to Osoyoos and joined Nostalgia Wines as the General Manager. Her extensive professional background includes ten years as a professional writer and seven years as a marketing director for a prominent wine import agency. Sheila’s passion for wine is matched only by her insatiable appetite for knowledge, evident in her pursuit of certifications such as the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) diploma, Certified Sommelier by the Court of Master Sommeliers, French Wine Scholar, and Italian Wine Scholar.

Her dedication to advancing the local wine industry reflects her deep-rooted commitment to BC Wine. She serves as a director on the boards of the Wine Growers of British Columbia and the Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association, where her expertise and passion contribute to shaping the region’s wine landscape. Additionally, Sheila is a taste assessor panelist for the BC Wine Authority.

Sheila’s connection with Nostalgia Wines goes beyond professional duty. Childhood friends with Gina since kindergarten, their paths intertwined through various endeavors over the years. However, it was their shared love for wine that ultimately reunited them in a working relationship.

Sheila has a great love for all wine, and at Nostalgia Wines the savoury, characterful Syrah is her favourite. “I have an ongoing conversation with our Syrah. Every time I try it, it tells me something new about itself. I keep coming back to learn more!”

Curated collection of fine wines from Oliver's Black Sage Bench

Pascal Madevon

Winemaking Consultant

Pascal’s journey in wine began amidst the vineyards of Burgundy, France, where his childhood weekends were spent exploring his grandfather’s vineyard. This early immersion ignited his passion for agriculture and led him to the prestigious wine capital of Bordeaux.

In Bordeaux, Pascal received classical training as a viticulturist and oenologist. His unwavering commitment to understanding the complete story of wine, from its origins to its potential, has been the cornerstone of his career.

As head winemaker at renowned estates such as Château Laffitte Carcasset and Château la Tour Carnet, Pascal’s expertise and 15+ years of experience in French winemaking have been evident.

In 2001, Pascal’s journey took him to the Okanagan Valley, where he discovered a new frontier of winemaking possibilities. Enthralled by the region’s diverse terroir, he joined Osoyoos Larose as winemaker and vineyard manager, then Culmina Family Estate Winery in 2013.

Today, Pascal looks forward to sharing his expertise with fellow wine enthusiasts, drawing from his wealth of experiences both in the vineyard and beyond.

When he’s not immersed in winemaking, Pascal can be found enjoying time in his garden, crafting in his wood workshop, travelling with his wife, or catching waves with his three daughters.

Pascal Madevon Winemaking Consultant Nostalgia Wines Oliver BC stands among vines

Paula Cooper

Assistant Winemaker

Paula is a dedicated winemaker with a passion for crafting exceptional wines and a wealth of experience in the wine industry.

Beginning her journey in the wine world in 2004, Paula has steadily climbed the ranks, honing her skills and expertise at various renowned wineries in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, including Tinhorn Creek, C.C. Jentsch Cellars, and Lakeside Cellars. Paula found a home at Nostalgia Wines in 2023.

Paula Cooper, Nostalgia Wines assistant winemaker stands among vines in Oliver BC

Steve Carberry

Wine Grower

Steve is a seasoned viticulturalist with a wealth of experience in the wine industry. As the owner and viticulturalist at Scion Vineyard Management and Consulting, Steve brings a personal touch to growing quality wine grapes.

Prior to establishing Scion Vineyard Management, Steve served as the winegrower for Black Hills Winery for over 17 years, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the vineyard’s success and reputation for excellence.

Steve’s journey in viticulture began with formal education at Washington State University and Okanagan College, where he studied viticulture and enology.

In 2023, Steve joined forces with Nostalgia Wines, where his expertise became instrumental in revitalizing Nostalgia’s Home Vineyard following extreme winter events in December 2022 and January 2024. His dedication and strategic approach have been integral to the vineyard’s resiliency, paving the way for future success.

With anticipation building, everyone at Nostalgia Wines eagerly awaits the day when Steve’s meticulous care and expertise will yield a bountiful harvest. Steve’s commitment to excellence and his passion for viticulture are evident in every aspect of his work, ensuring a promising future for Nostalgia Wines and its 14-acre Home Vineyard.

Steve Carberry Winegrower on tractor in vineyard

Jack Babcock

Wine Experience Associate, Cellar Hand, Jack of All Trades

Jack left Toronto in search of sun, and when doing his research he discovered that the South Okanagan was not only the warmest place in Canada, but Oliver was the Wine Capital! He was sold and made the move.

Once here in 2020, he joined us for a tasting on our patio and Teresa knew he’d love our Kerner. She was right!

“It is the most fantastic grape varietal wine I’ve had in my entire life,” he says with enthusiasm. He knew then he wanted to work with us, and he was the first person to apply in 2021.

In his previous life he worked in film production, from production assistant to management, sound recording and camera work. A Jack of all trades, one might say!

Besides being a hard core Kerner fanatic, the 2019 Family Collection Meritage has captured his heart. “I love the dark fruit flavours that I get — blueberry, blackberry, currant — I only wish I had the self-control to cellar this beauty for five to 10 years. It’s going good places!”

Nostalgia Wines | Jack Babcock

Teresa Linklater

Wine Experience Associate

Teresa, Nostalgia Wines’ resident silver fox, is originally from Ontario, and lived on Vancouver Island for 10 years.

“When I was thinking about moving to the Okanagan, I thought a job in a wine shop would be fun,” she says. An opportunity at Nostalgia Wines crossed her radar and she applied. “When I met Gina and learned more about the winery, I knew it was a perfect fit,” she says. She has worked with Nostalgia Wines since 2018.

In addition to being an animal lover, and serving her community as a Rotarian, Teresa has a big love of wine and food. Her favourites at Nostalgia include the Syrah, Rockabilly Red, Merlot and Chardonnay. “I never thought I’d say I’m a Chardonnay fan, but it won me over!”

Teresa Summer 2021_Nostalgia Merlot 2018

Alesha Subotin

Wine Experience Associate

Alesha is a born-and-raised Oliver girl and she joined our team in the summer of 2021.

“Gina and I were waiting to pick our kids up at school and I mentioned the tasting room … Gina said ‘work for Nostalgia!’ and the rest is history!” she remembers with a laugh.

Alesha is the proud Mom of two boys and keeps very busy with work, family and she loves a great walk.

“I was drinking Nostalgia Rosé all summer and it is always so refreshing and never too sweet,” she says. For autumn, Alesha’s pick is Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, which is the perfect combination of fruity and cozy.

Alesha stands with her favourite wines in front of a 1938 Chevy Truck at a winery in Oliver BC

Rita Crone

Wine Experience Associate

Rita’s long distance love affair with the Okanagan went on for decades before she finally moved to Osoyoos.

“I love everything about it – the weather, the mountains, the lakes, and the wines of course!” she exclaims with a big smile.

Once she realized her dream of living the Okanagan wine country life, it was time to move on to her next dream: working at a winery! She found the opening at Nostalgia Wines and got the job in 2020. She’s continued to work with our team since.

“The universe coordinates things for us!” she says of the great timing and fit with the team.

Originally from Humboldt, Saskatchewan, she worked as a social worker and therapist throughout her career. She has a son and three step-children, and 10 grandchildren.

“I love the wines, so it makes it really easy to work here,” she says. Her list of favourites is the entire portfolio!

Rita with her Fall Favourites

Colleen Madill

Wine Experience Associate

Colleen Madill graduated from the University of Toronto and was ready for an overseas adventure, but due to the pandemic, she decided a Canadian adventure was the better bet. She drove from Toronto to see the Okanagan for the first time, and to start work at Nostalgia Wines in 2021.

Colleen’s interest in winemaking and strong interpersonal skills make her a great asset to the team, and she joined our cellar team for Harvest 2022. She has trouble narrowing down her list of favourite wines, so she recommends her newest favourite: 2020 Malbec Petit Verdot.

Colleen Madill's handpicked wine selection at Nostalgia Wines, a top winery in the Okanagan

Karalee Warren

Wine Experience Associate

Karalee had visited Nostalgia Wines and loved the vibe. “It was the people, the feeling you get when you walk in … and, of course, I love the wine!” She joined our team in the summer of 2022.

She’s been in the Okanagan since 2018, after spending 25 years in Grand Forks raising her two kids. She is now grandmother to three granddaughters and one grandson.

We hold Karalee responsible for selling out our 2021 Pinot Gris so early. Thankfully, she loves the 2022 vintage just as much. “The Nostalgia Pinot Gris is my absolute favourite — it’s exceptionally better than all other Pinot Gris I’ve had!”

BC Winery with most friendly staff