It’s been 13 years since Hunter Kangas graduated from NC’s Winery and Viticulture Technician program, but on April 24 he will return to his alma mater ‘in spirt’ as a featured alumnus for A Chef’s Journey with Riley Bennett at Benchmark. Select wines from the B.C. winery, where he is now Cellar Master, are also on the menu for the dinner event.
InsideNC caught up with Kangas who shared memories from his College days, career highlights, details about his involvement in A Chef’s Journey, and more.
Current role
Cellar Master, Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars, Okanagan Falls, British Columbia
Hometown
Hornepayne, Ontario
Current city
Penticton, British Columbia
NC program
Winery and Viticulture Technician Class of 2012
Path to NC
I worked in a wine shop to pay for university and became fascinated with the history, complexity and power of wine so decided to enroll at NC and try and make a career out of it.
Standout NC memories
The people I met and relationships I made. I am still very good friends with several people I studied and worked with at NC. There are also quite good amount of NC grads out here in B.C.
NC influences
I use the foundational knowledge of winemaking and viticulture every day at my job. Obviously, there has been a lot of hands-on work experience since then. But the core knowledge all goes back to my time at NC. The program was very good at building the day-to-day skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this industry.
Career highlights
I travelled and worked in Central Otago, New Zealand as well as the Yarra Valley, Australia, and made friends and connections from those experiences.
I visited Burgundy, France last year and had the privilege of tasting in the cellars and walking the vineyards of some of the most famous and revered wines in the world.
Rewards / inspiration
It’s that there is a tangible product that you can taste and experience, knowing all the hard work that went into creating it. Wine is one of the few things that can capture a time and a place so well.
Every year is a new challenge; nothing stays the same. Also the people I have met so many wise, inspirational, funny and genuine people from this career.
A Chef’s Journey involvement
I know [NC Wine Professor] Gavin Robertson at the College quite well. He got us in touch with each other. Chef Riley wanted to highlight a winery from the Okanagan Valley, since that is where he is from originally.
I’ve created a PowerPoint slideshow/video presentation about my journey and where I work, since I can’t be at the dinner in person.
Words of wisdom
Have fun and be open to the opportunities that come your way. And don’t be afraid to make mistakes; that’s the only way to learn and get better.
A Chef’s Journey details
Organized by the College’s Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies division, each event in the A Chef’s Journey series shines a spotlight on an academic chef – or two – who curate a multi-course meal along with an evening experience that reflects their personal journeys. The events also include featured alumni and a team of students. Stories will be conveyed through a menu of food and beverage selections, as well as storytelling, visuals, and other surprises throughout the evening.
A Chef’s Journey events are held at Benchmark restaurant, located at NC’s Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The events are supported by students and staff from the College’s Benchmark team led by Victor Oliveira and Chef Justin Downes.
For series details and ticket information visit Eventbrite: eventbrite.ca/e/a-chefs-journey-celebrating-students-tickets-1092764741759?aff=oddtdtcreator
Please note: Tickets for scheduled A Chef’s Journey 2024-2025 events have sold out.
