Quail's Gate Vineyards
Quails’ Gate has been recognized again for overall business performance and sustained growth with the Canada’s Best Managed Companies designation. This is the fifth consecutive year the winery has received this honour and the second consecutive year receiving Gold status.
Award winners are amongst the best-in-class of Canadian owned and managed companies and evaluated by an independent judging panel comprised of representatives from program sponsors in addition to special guest judges.
“There are many ways to grade a business – customer satisfaction, employee engagement and financial metrics to name a few, but it’s rare that you have other business leaders taking a detailed look at the intricacies of your company,” says CFO JP Fowler.
Core values of the family owned business were put to the test over the last year as they faced government restrictions due to the global pandemic and major shifts in their route to market. Throughout these challenges, the business acted with an increased sense of social responsibility by prioritizing the health of staff and customers, achieved through a combination of on-site safety protocols, remote work environments and e-commerce solutions with curbside pick-up. The winery also launched The Market at Quails’ Gate to provide social distancing for estate visitors and prepared meals to dine at home.
“At Quails’ Gate our staff are the driving force behind our brand values encompassing welcoming Okanagan hospitality” says CEO Tony Stewart. “This award is a reflection of everyone on the team who lead our innovative practices as pioneers in the BC wine industry.”
“This year’s Best Managed winners demonstrate the organizational grit required to thrive in these increasingly uncertain times,” said Kari Lockhart, Partner, Deloitte Private and Co-Leader, Canada’s Best Managed. “By putting their people first, and showing the courage to experiment and take risks, they were able to overcome some of today’s most pressing challenges.”
Winners for Deloittes’ Best Managed Companies will be awarded through a virtual gala where Quails’ Gate has the honour of hosting a virtual, wine-paired culinary demo featuring Old Vines Restaurant Executive Chef Adam Mukasa and CEO Tony Stewart.