Matthew Fortuna didn’t plan to stay in the Okanagan.
Originally from Niagara Falls, he moved west nearly 20 years ago with a simple goal: to learn more about winemaking. At the time, he was drawn to Pinot Noir and the growing reputation of the Pacific Northwest.
The plan was to gain experience and eventually head back east. That never happened. Somewhere between the vineyards, the lake views and the rhythm of the seasons, the Okanagan became home.
Today, Fortuna is the lead winemaker at 50th Parallel Estate in Lake Country, where he has spent more than a decade helping shape wines that reflect both the land and the evolving style of the region.
His path into the role wasn’t rushed. He started in the cellar at Quails’ Gate, learning the fundamentals from the ground up, before joining 50th Parallel in 2013. By 2017, he stepped into the lead role, bringing with him a clear focus on quality and consistency.
What keeps him here is the same thing that draws so many people to Lake Country.
“It’s the lifestyle, the beauty and the potential,” is a feeling echoed in his journey. But for a winemaker, it’s also about what the land can produce.
Lake Country sits slightly north of the more widely known wine regions of Oliver and Osoyoos, and that difference shows up in the glass. With a shorter growing season and cooler temperatures, the wines here tend to be fresher, more aromatic and more restrained.
For Fortuna, that means focusing on varietals that truly thrive in these conditions: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Riesling.
Pinot Noir, in particular, is where his passion lies. It’s a grape that demands attention and patience, but when done well, it tells a story unlike any other.
At 50th Parallel, that story is shaped by rocky soils, steep slopes and long summer days that allow the fruit to develop slowly and evenly.
“The vineyard really drives everything,” is a philosophy that guides Fortuna’s approach. Rather than overworking the wine, the goal is to let the site speak for itself.
That mindset shows up across the winery’s portfolio. The estate wines are consistent and structured, reflecting what the vineyard naturally produces year after year.
Alongside them, the Profile series offers a different expression, lighter, more fruit-forward and designed for easy enjoyment. It’s a balance between tradition and adaptability.
As wine preferences shift, Fortuna and the team are paying attention. There’s a growing demand for wines that are fresh, approachable and not overly heavy, and that has opened the door to new styles and even new varietals.
At 50th Parallel, the vineyard is more than just where the grapes are grown; it’s the foundation of the entire experience. Set high above Okanagan Lake, the estate has been carefully developed over the years, with more than 55 acres now under vine.
The site itself offers a unique combination of sun exposure, slope and soil that gives the wines their distinct character.
But even with a strong site, winemaking in the Okanagan is never predictable. From wildfire seasons to extreme cold, each year brings its own challenges. For Fortuna, experience has been key in navigating those ups and downs.
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Difficult vintages test both patience and skill, but they also make the great years stand out even more. And when those great years come together, the result is something special.
“It’s those moments where everything aligns,” where the fruit is exactly what you hoped for, and the wine reflects it perfectly. Sharing those wines with people, whether in the tasting room or around a table, is what makes it all worthwhile.
Outside of the winery, Fortuna keeps things simple. He enjoys both wine and beer and is a strong supporter of local producers across the region. For him, it’s all part of being connected to the community that helped shape his career.
As BC Wine Month shines a spotlight on the region, it’s a reminder to explore what’s grown close to home. From Lake Country to the South Okanagan, every bottle tells a local story, one worth supporting and sharing.
