We are a fourth-generation Okanagan farming family that has been part of the community for more than a century. As one of Canada’s foremost family-owned estate wineries, our founding family matriarchs have played a pivotal role in the development of the wine industry for more than three decades. Their dedication to the wine industry can be seen reflected throughout our award-winning portfolio of wines and culinary achievements.
In honour of International Women’s Day, we are taking the time to celebrate and applaud the valued contributions and achievements of two very talented leaders currently shaping the future of Quails’ Gate Winery.
Kailee Frasch, Winemaker
Born and raised in Kelowna, British Columbia, Kailee Frasch graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan campus. She then went on to study Oenology and Viticulture at Brock University, graduating with a certificate in grape and wine technology.
Kailee started her wine career at Quails’ Gate Winery in 2016 as a harvest cellar hand and lab technician. She was quickly promoted to Oenologist in 2018 before moving into a junior winemaking position. After honing her skills in Central Otago, New Zealand in 2020, Kailee was promoted to her current position as Winemaker.
Steadfast in the pursuit of knowledge, Kailee has built a reputation for excellence by crafting consistent high-quality wines, vintage over vintage.
“Kailee’s dedication and exceptional winemaking skills consistently yield award-winning wines, making us incredibly fortunate to have her on our team.” – Jeffrey Del Nin, Sr. Winemaker
Jennifer Dodd, Executive Chef
Inspired by family culinary traditions, Jennifer trained at the Dubrulle French Culinary School in Vancouver now part of the Art Institute in Granville Island. She started her culinary career in Vancouver taking on Executive
Sous Chef roles at Joe Fortes and the Executive Chef position at the Teahouse in Stanley Park. Following her role in Vancouver, Jennifer’s culinary career expanded to a more tropical locale where she spent nine years working as the Executive Chef at Seven at The Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman.
Over the past 20 years, Jennifer has sharpened her culinary skills, experimenting and playing with seasonal and local ingredients, developing a reputation for creating innovative and inspired cuisine.
Matching the restaurant’s philosophy of fresh simplicity and menus inspired by regional Okanagan and West Coast ingredients prepared in the classical tradition, Jennifer is passionate about playing with seasonal ingredients, working alongside local producers to create dishes that showcase the best our region has to offer. Plans are already in place to visit neighbouring farms this year. In addition to her career as a chef, Jennifer loves to travel and explore culinary expertise from around the globe.
The women of Quails’ Gate Winery continue to shape the development of the wine industry, focusing on making the Okanagan Valley a premium wine and culinary destination. Join us in celebrating these leaders and the work they do to deliver world-class winemaking and culinary experiences, right here in the Okanagan Valley.
