Alison Moyes, Winemaker/General Manager

Alison’s journey into wine began while studying Microbiology at University and working at a premium wine focused restaurant throughout. This afforded the opportunity to taste and begin to explore the vast world of wine and at the same time sparking a lifelong curiosity into the chemistry and biological processes involved in its production. After completing her Sommelier certification with the Canadian Association of Professional Sommelier’s in 2004, she ran the wine program at Seven Winebar in Halifax, elevating the list to achieve Wine Spectator’s Best Award of Excellence. Drawn to the elements of Art, Science and Nature, she now wanted to expand her wine knowledge and connection further, leading to the next stage of education. Alison enrolled in the Oenology and Viticulture program at Brock University, graduating with Honours in 2009 having completed a thesis in Sensory Science. 

Throughout her time at Brock, Alison was able to experience several seasons in the Vineyard and Cellar in Ontario before coming to the Okanagan, initially in 2008 and then returning in 2009. Alison brings 14 years of premium Winemaking experience to Solvero, with expertise in crafting Pinot Noir and Chardonnay specifically. Her background includes vintages with Osoyoos Larose, starting as Assistant Winemaker and then Winemaker at Stoneboat Vineyards, followed by 6 years as Head Winemaker at Liquidity Wines.

Drawn to Garnet Valley for the unique climate and biodiversity and Solvero’s vision for authentic, expressive wines, Alison is excited to lead the Winemaking and help shape the business for future success.

Matt Sartor, President and Vineyard Manager

Matt grew up in Calgary and initially pursued a passion for music. After many years of experience and attending University for Piano, Matt later shifted his career path from the art of music to the art of wine. Discovering and experiencing wine while working in several Calgary wine shops, the conversation about establishing a vineyard and winery in the Okanagan began. Matt moved to the Okanagan in 2010 with his (now) wife Cassandra to explore the possibility further. After completing the Viticulture program at Okanagan College and helping to establish and farm several vineyard properties in Summerland, Matt started the search for the perfect site to grow Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

That search led him to Garnet Valley and the Wildhorse Road property that he and his family call home. The property was purchased in 2014 and with a great deal of fortitude, the steep and undulating terrain was cleared and prepped for planting over the next couple of years. After extensive research on vine clones and rootstock, Matt selected and planted an impressive 7 clones of Pinot Noir in 2016 and 2 clones of Chardonnay in 2017. 

Now raising two young children, Matt sees a long and promising future here, describing this vineyard in Garnet Valley as ‘the most beautiful place on the planet’.

Andrea + Bob Sartor, Proprietors

Bob and Andrea met in Montreal in 1972 where their story together began. Bob began his career as a Chartered Professional Accountant and Andrea as a Physiotherapist. Now, having raised three grown children and a successful career as CEO of several major companies, including the Forzani Group and Big Rock Brewing, Bob & Andrea are delighted to combine their passion and interest in wine, working with their son to build this family business. Bob and Andrea have provided mentorship and direction from the inception of Solvero and offer continued support to the entire team. Their home in Summerland is also the location of our second vineyard site, the aptly named Happy Valley, where you can often see them walking the rows, helping out with vine canopy management and taking in the breathtaking views.