At Frind Estate Winery, something quietly transformative is taking place. Between the lakeside sips and easygoing atmosphere the winery is known for, there’s a deeper story unfolding, one rooted in innovation, patience and a bold vision for the future of winemaking in the Okanagan.
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Corrie Krehbiel, Director of Viticulture and Winemaking, is helping bring Markus Frind’s vision for the winery’s next chapter to life through a thoughtful balance of science, instinct and a lifelong connection to the land.
“Behind every bottle is a year’s worth of decisions,” Krehbiel shares. “You get one chance every year.”
That perspective, grounded, humble and deeply respectful of nature, plays a key role in guiding both her work and the broader direction Frind continues to evolve toward.
Born and raised in the Okanagan, Krehbiel didn’t set out to become a winemaker, but her roots tell a different story. Growing up on orchards, she developed an early understanding of agriculture at just the age of thirteen, before pivoting from a brief start in medicine to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture at UBC, followed by advanced winemaking studies in New Zealand and an MBA. Her resume reads like a tour of some of the Okanagan’s most respected wineries, including CedarCreek, Blue Mountain, Gray Monk, Greata Ranch, and Mission Hill, where she spent eight years refining her craft.
“There’s a real openness here,” she says. “It’s welcoming whether you know a lot about wine or you’re just starting to explore it.”
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Much of that forward momentum is rooted just north of Kelowna, in Frind’s Vernon vineyard sites, an area not traditionally known for bold red wines. But that’s exactly what makes it exciting. With significant investment into properties like Turtle Mountain and Bella Vista Road, Frind has planted varieties more commonly associated with the South Okanagan: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and even a touch of Mourvèdre. And early results are promising.
“The fruit we brought in from our first harvest is showing incredible freshness and really beautiful tannin structure,” Krehbiel says. “Especially the Cabernet Franc, we’re really excited about it.”
Those wines, currently resting in the cellar, are expected to debut in 2027, a milestone that could reshape perceptions of what North Okanagan terroir can achieve.
What sets Frind apart isn’t just where they’re growing, it’s how. Behind the scenes, the winery is investing heavily in technology and data collection, giving Krehbiel and her team an unprecedented level of insight into every stage of the process. From soil sampling to real-time lab analysis, decisions aren’t left to chance; they’re informed, measured and intentional.
Still, Krehbiel is quick to point out that winemaking will never be purely scientific. “It’s always a balance,” she explains. “We use data to guide us, but there’s still an art to it. You’re constantly making decisions, weighing risk, and trying to protect what makes the fruit special.”
She calls her philosophy “calculated risk”, a mindset that embraces experimentation while staying grounded in the core goal: preserving the natural brightness, purity and freshness of Okanagan fruit.
That balance extends beyond the vineyard and into the glass. While Krehbiel has her own preferences, leaning toward high-acid, vibrant styles. She’s equally focused on crafting wines that resonate with Frind’s diverse audience.
“I wouldn’t make something I didn’t love,” she says with a laugh. “But you also have to think about what people are enjoying and how they’re experiencing wine.”
That philosophy has already proven successful. What began as a one-time experiment, a sparkling rosé called Frindzante quickly became a fan favourite, returning for another vintage due to overwhelming demand.
More innovation is on the way, including a new sparkling release, The Crackling Fizz, and a 2025 Riesling that draws from multiple vineyard sites to showcase the “power of the blend.”
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As Frind Estate Winery’s vineyards mature and its production capabilities expand, the next few years are shaping up to be pivotal. With Krehbiel at the helm of winemaking, the focus remains clear: push boundaries, stay grounded in the land, and create wines that feel both elevated and approachable. It’s a vision that aligns perfectly with the Frind experience, one that invites everyone in, while quietly redefining what’s possible in the Okanagan.
And come 2027, when those Vernon-grown reds finally hit the glass, the rest of the region may be taking notes.
