Steven's career started with a degree from the University of Western Ontario and took him deep into the Oil and Gas world — ownership, executive roles, marketing, business development. He's always been someone who builds things. Little Engine is what happens when someone like that discovers wine. It started as a passion and became something much bigger. That drive you taste in every bottle? That's Steven
Entrepreneurship runs in Nicole's family — it was never really a question of whether, just when. She studied at UWO and the University of Calgary, started her career in education, and then followed her instincts into real estate design, development, and brand marketing. She brings that same discerning eye to Little Engine, shaping everything from how our wines look to how they make you feel. The soul of this place is, in no small part, hers.
Scott's path to winemaking wasn't a straight line — it started with kinesiology and a deepening love of wine that eventually won out. He trained at the University of Adelaide, earning his Master's in Oenology with Distinction, and then spent years getting his hands dirty at wineries in New Zealand and Australia before finding his way back to the Okanagan. He's been with Little Engine from day one, and his fingerprints are on every bottle we make. If you've ever described one of our wines as ``obsessively good,`` that's Scott.
Andrew's path to wine started with an Environmental Science degree at the University of Guelph and a university wine course that quietly changed everything. He spent three years making VQA wines in Niagara, then followed his curiosity to Adelaide for a Master's in Oenology — where he met a fellow Canadian named Scott Robinson. Twenty-five years, four countries, and harvests in McLaren Vale, Marlborough, and France's Northern Rhône later, he settled in British Columbia, led the cellar at Tinhorn Creek, and most recently co-owned Maverick Estate Winery. Scott had been telling him to come to the Okanagan for over fifteen years. Turns out he was right. Their reunion at Little Engine feels less like a hire and more like an inevitability.
Adam didn't choose wine — wine chose him. Growing up on the west coast with strong Italian roots, he was down in the basement making it with his father and grandfather long before he knew it would become his life's work. The cellar is his domain, and he treats every barrel like it matters. Because to him, it does.
Marco's path to the Okanagan wound through Australia, Ontario, New Zealand, France, and two of Europe's most respected viticulture programs in Montpellier and Turin. He's seen a lot of vineyards. He knows what great ones look like — and more importantly, how to coax them there. His approach is organic, his commitment to the land is genuine, and the vines under his care are better for it.
Colin spent years running restaurants in Vancouver — as a general manager, wine director, partner, and owner — before the Okanagan finally won. He moved to the Naramata Bench in 2020 to work at Tightrope Winery, checking off a long-held goal of getting onto the production side of wine. His path here was anything but straight: a Business Administration degree from Simon Fraser University with a side of Economics and Philosophy, followed by a career that's taken in hospitality, tourism, wine agency, and WSET education. Today he's General Manager at Little Engine, still teaching WSET and the Wine Growers BC Ambassador Program on the side, because apparently he's not someone who does things halfway.
Amanda spent a decade working in international travel and on cruise ships before the Okanagan got hold of her four years ago. She holds a Tourism Management degree from the Institut de Tourisme et d'Hôtellerie du Québec and a WSET Level 2 — but what really sets her apart is that she remembers you. Your name, your favourite wine, what you said about the Pinot last time. She leads the tasting room team with the kind of warmth that turns a first visit into a lasting habit. Aux visiteurs francophones — Amanda vous accueille avec grand plaisir en français!
“I’ve been part of this amazing journey for the past three years, and it brings me so much joy to see familiar faces, remember your favourite wines and build real connections.
I’m proud to lead our team and empower them to create memorable, meaningful experiences. Nothing beats the energy of the winery, its stunning views, the atmosphere and of course, the wines!
When I’m not at the winery, you’ll likely find me by the water, traveling during our winter downtime and soaking in inspiration from the places I’ve visited or dream of visiting.
I feel incredibly grateful to be part of the Little Engine family, working alongside Steven, Nicole and our all-star team!”
FRENCH
“Aux gens du Québec et à tous les francophones à travers le pays,
Je fais partie de cette belle aventure depuis maintenant trois ans, et c’est toujours un vrai bonheur de revoir des visages familiers, de me souvenir de vos vins préférés et de créer des liens sincères.
C’est un immense plaisir de vous accueillir et de vous servir en français. Ce sentiment de familiarité et de fierté en échangeant avec vous, c’est ce que j’aime le plus! Votre loyauté et votre générosité à faire découvrir nos vins à votre entourage sont le plus beau cadeau que vous puissiez nous offrir.
Au plaisir de vous rencontrer ou de vous revoir très bientôt. Je vous lève mon verre en direct de notre belle vallée de l’Okanagan, santé!”
Krista has called the Okanagan home for over 20 years — long enough to raise three daughters here and build a thriving health and wellness business from scratch. Four years ago, she followed her passion into wine, and it turns out everything she knew about entrepreneurship, sales, and leading a team translated perfectly. On any given morning, you'll find her in the winery gardens, choosing fresh florals for the day. It tells you everything you need to know: if something can be done beautifully, there's really no reason to do it any other way.
Jamen has been capturing the Little Engine story since the very beginning. He's the reason our wines look as beautiful as they taste — with an eye for light, detail, and the quiet drama of a well-made bottle. When he's not shooting for us, he's working with clients across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. His portfolio is wide-ranging, but we like to think Little Engine is his best work. (We may be biased.)