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The Beginning
A Families Journey in Wine, Farming and Hospitality
Placed in the beautiful landscapes of Osoyoos BC, our story of Over the Fence Winery begins with shared love for family, community, and the art of winemaking. Founded by Darrell, Pamela, Dakota & Cassandra, this winery is more than just a place to savour exceptional wines, it is a testament to the power of family and friends, and the beauty of shared experiences.
Our family dream of creating a neighbourly, family-oriented winery stemmed from our own close-knit relationships with our families. We want to build a space where these values could shine through, where guests would feel like part of the family from the moment they joined us Over the Fence.
Darrell Endresen ~ Owner
While Vancouver is Darrell’s place of birth, he spent his formable years in Alberta earning a Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of Alberta in 1983. He is a designated Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and Chartered Accountant (CA), qualifying in 1986. Darrell moved back to the west coast in 1987 and started a family and a career spanning 36 years of professional financial advice to auto dealerships and their family ownership. All while growing a family of five including three kids Justin, Dane & Cassandra. A love for the Okanagan, wine and family has transformed a man in a suit to a person with a deep respect for the passion of farming and wine making. Darrell is elated to be working and sharing this dream of vineyard and wine with his family.
Pamela Endresen ~ Owner
A love for family, friends and wine is something Pamela cherishes. Whether travelling in Italy, France or California's Napa valley and Sonoma or an invite from over the fence to the neighbour’s for a glass; wine was always part of the experience. When her daughter decided to explore the wine industry six years ago in Oliver/Osoyoos region we all fell in love. The beauty of the vineyard on a sunny day and the sharing of food and wine as well the great community experience of the wine industry sparked a dream. We are so excited to be able to embark on this journey as a family. We can’t wait to be a part of this community and the amazing region. The possibilities seem endless.
Cassandra Hood ~ Owner/Winery Manager
At the age of 14, Cassandra’s passion for hospitality ignited, setting the stage for a remarkable journey. Starting in the restaurant industry on the coast, she discovered her flair for event hosting, eventually leading her to pursue the Event Management program at the Art Institute of Vancouver. Despite being immersed in city life, Cassandra craved a change of scenery. Extensive wine discussions at Sunday dinners fueled her interest in the wine industry, and in 2017, she took a leap, moving to Osoyoos BC to kickstart her wine career at Hester Creek Estate Winery. Six years later, Cassandra’s dream of opening a family winery, where guests will instantly feel at home the moment, they step through the front door became a reality. As the transformative journey to the rebrand unfolds, she reflects on the mix of excitement, nerves, and joy of overcoming challenges. Cassandra stands at the beginning of Over the Fence Winery, embracing the new identity and eagerly anticipating the incredible adventure that lies ahead.
cassandra.hood@overthefencewinery.ca
Dakota Hood ~ Owner/Winemaker & Vineyard Manager
Rooted in the breathtaking landscapes of Osoyoos BC, Dakota’s journey unfolds against the backdrop of the flourishing winery and vineyard industry. Born and raised alongside his lovely parents Jacquelyn and Keith Hood and brother Dylan Hood, Dakota witnessed the beauty of his hometown evolve over 27 years. Initially drawn to the path of trades, Dakota’s desire for hands-on work propelled him into the industry. However, it was observing the radiant joy on his wife Cassandra’s face after her days at the winery that ignited Dakotas true calling. Dakota’s commitment to the wine industry started by enrolling in the 7-month Winemaking Assistant course. Once finished the course, his learning continued, guided by the expertise of an exceptional team and with hands-on learning within his cellar and vineyard. As 2024 arrives, Dakota has wrapped up a transformative year both personally and for the valleys viticulture landscape, Dakota enters this new chapter with excitement, and a commitment to continuous learning what this industry has to offer. Dakota is beyond excited to release his first vintage and creation of Over the Fence wines.
dakota.hood@overthefencewinery.ca
Maurice Lefebvre ~ Cellar Master
Maurice grew up in the serene landscapes of Fraser Valley, he embarked on the educational journey in 1997 at the University of Victoria, where he chose the path of teaching with a focus in science, earning a Bachelor of Education. Maurice’s passion for guiding, mentoring, and coaching was not all that fueled his path in teaching but also the flexibility to be a present father at home. Maurice’s life’s narrative took a transformative turn in 2011 when his wife Sarah and his two children Anabel & Toby embarked on a new adventure to the beautiful Oliver BC. Venturing beyond the classroom and the city, his career has been diverse, with roles ranging from bottling line worker at Hester Creek, to crafting wines as the Assistant Winemaker for VinAmité Cellars. In 2023, Maurice added to his professional repertoire, becoming an integral part of the Over the Fence family, as their dedicated Cellar Master infusing his expertise and passion into this exciting chapter. In Maurice’s eyes the true beauty of the wine industry lies in how welcoming and open the industry is to new faces, and innovative ideas, a sentiment that continues to inspire his commitment to the dynamic and ever-evolving world of wines.
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