In October 2008, Blasted Church Vineyards welcomed Morton Serbon from Napier, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand to the position of vineyard manager. With two viticulture certificates from Eastern Institute of Technology and NZHITO Hawkes Bay followed by five years experience on vineyards ranging from 60 to 390 acres working for Esk River Wines, Morton Estate Wines and Constellation Wines, Morton brings a vast amount of knowledge and experience to the Blasted Church team.

Taking over from Lisa Wambold, Morton’s aim is to further refine the health and quality of the estate’s vines as he strives to produce grapes of top calibre, the requisite for fine wine.

Morton pursued viticulture at Eastern Institute of Technology Hawkes Bay in New Zealand. In 2006 he obtained his National Certificate in Grape Growing and Wine Making and, in addition, was awarded the Advanced Level 4 Horticulture and Viticulture National Certificate by NZHITO as provided by New Zealand Grape Growers Council in 2008. A prestigious qualification.

While at Constellation Wines for three vintages, Morton developed expertise and know-how in managing vineyard sites to exacting quality making him a great asset to Blasted Church.

The climatically different Okanagan Valley allows him to expanding his knowledge in cool climate grape growing and become one of his key goals. From the cold winter blast we have experienced in 2008/2009 he will not lack for challenges.

Since starting at Blasted Church, already Morton has proven to be worth his weight in gold and once you have the pleasure of meeting him you’ll see that he is not a guy of small stature! Morton and his wife Rene look forward to making their stay in the Okanagan a long and exciting experience.