Tanya Martin Blasted Church: A Vine Journey
The Vancouver International Wine Festival is underway, and we’re highlighting some of the people shaping the wine industry today. In this edition of Conversations in Wine, we spoke with Tanya Martin of Blasted Church Vineyards in the Okanagan Valley.
Tanya’s career in wine stretches back to the early days of BC’s modern wine industry, beginning with her first role at Hester Creek Estate Winery in 1994. Over the decades she has built a deep connection to the people, vineyards, and wines that make this industry so compelling.
When and how did you know the wine industry was where you belonged?
When I started working at Hester Creek in 1994. The late Frank Supernak was the winemaker at the time, and he had a way of making everyone around him happy and comfortable. Because of that, I gained a confidence and a love for the industry as a whole.
Who, or what, inspired you to be in wine? Do you have a mentor?
I didn’t have a mentor, but I have always been inspired by the now retired founder of Black Hills winery and Terravista Winery, Senka Tennant. I met her when she did an apprenticeship at Hester Creek (prior to the opening of Black Hills). Senka has a keen passion for acquiring knowledge for all aspects of running a winery and making wine, while still being open and friendly and kind.
Do you have a favourite style of wine?
Sparkling.
What is your favourite food & wine pairing?
A big Cabernet Sauvignon paired with a big prime rib steak.
Do you have a favourite wine region aside from where you are working/living?
I’ve been in love with Washington State wines for years. If I stumble upon it, I will never pass up a chance to grab a bottle of Boudreaux or Gramercy, and if I’m especially lucky, a Quilceda Creek. I visited the Champoux Vineyard in 2024 and had a serious fangirl moment.
When you are not in the vineyard/winery, what are you doing?
Hiking with my dog, Sif and traveling as much as possible.
What do you love about your current winery/role/job?
The people, the place, the whole package.
If wine wasn’t your career, what would you be doing?
I would love to learn how to train puppies to be assistance dogs.
