Conversations In Wine – Kailee Frasch Quail’s Gate Winery
The Vancouver International Wine Festival is on and we’ve interviewed a few winemakers you could meet at the 2025 Festival. Here’s our Q&A with Kailee Frasch of Quail’s Gate Winery in West Kelowna in the Okanagan Valley. Find more on the Wine Festival here. Read more about the women winemakers at this year’s festival here.
When and how did you know the wine industry was where you belonged?
Growing up in the Okanagan Valley, I was surrounded by vineyards, which naturally sparked my interest in wine. It wasn’t until I was studying at UBCO when a guest lecturer, a winemaker, spoke to us about the science behind fermentation that I realized the connection between science and winemaking. That opened my eyes to winemaking as a career. I immediately began researching winemaking schools, and after completing my Bachelor of Science, I moved to Ontario to study at Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute.
Who, or what, inspired you to be in wine? Do you have a mentor?
I don’t have a single mentor, but I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work alongside a variety of talented winemakers. Each of them brings something unique to the table, and I’ve learned so much from their distinct winemaking philosophies.
Where did you study/learn to make wine?
I studied at Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute.
Do you have a favourite style of wine?
If I had to pick one, I’d say a particular style of Chardonnay. Many people assume they don’t like Chardonnay, but they likely have not tried the right ones. I love an acid-driven, almost saline Chardonnay with hints of toast and flint. Chardonnay just has the innate potential to be such a layered, complex, and interesting style of wine.
What is your favourite food & wine pairing?
This is always changing, but with the snow falling outside, I’m really looking forward to spring and enjoying a dry rosé with a goat cheese salad on the patio.
Do you have a favourite wine region aside from where you are working/living?
That’s a tough one, as there are so many exceptional wine regions around the world. Tuscany is one that comes to mind – the combination of incredible wines, food, and breathtaking landscapes is hard to beat.
When you are not in the vineyard/winery, what are you doing?
On a typical weekend in the Okanagan, you can find me hiking, skiing, camping, or out on the water, depending on the season.
How are you reacting to climate change in your part of the world?
We’re staying positive and actively experimenting with different approaches at Quails’ Gate to ensure long-term success. Recent winters have been challenging, so we’re testing a few things, including experimenting with hardier grape varieties and using geotextiles (essentially blankets for the vines) to protect them in the winter. We’re also trialing vacuum-packed LED lights designed to warm the vines during a cold snap.
What do you love about your current winery/role/job?
What I love most is that we’re creating something tangible for people to enjoy. It’s incredibly rewarding to see people drinking our wines and knowing that it’s the result of the hard work and passion from our entire team in each bottle.
If wine wasn’t your career, what would you be doing?
If I weren’t making wine, I probably would have continued down a scientific path and worked in a lab somewhere.
Are you part of an organization for women in wine?
Currently, I’m not part of any specific organization for women in wine.
Any advice for women wanting to follow in your footsteps?
If you’re considering a career in winemaking, the best way to start is by getting hands-on experience during a harvest. It is a lot of hard work – cleaning, long hours, and getting your hands dirty. But each harvest is unique, offering endless opportunities to learn and expand your knowledge. The experience is more valuable than anything you’ll read in a textbook, and you’ll quickly find out if winemaking is something that you want to pursue long-term!
