OWNER AND WINEMAKER
Mark Simpson
Throughout his career, Mark Simpson has dreamed of owning his own winery, and now this dream has come to fruition. Mark’s decades of experience in winemaking and brewing have prepared him well for the challenge of farming grapes and operating an estate vineyard, distillery, winery, and inn.
Mark's transition from a successful career in the beer industry to his current vocation was inspired by his profound connection to the great outdoors. Winemaking, he mused, became his conduit to harmoniously unite with nature, capturing the essence of our terroir's magnificence.
Through his consulting company, Artisan Food and Beverage Group. Mark developed some very exciting and successful wine projects, namely Black Market Wine Company, Nagging Doubt and Seaside Pearl, all now well-established and award-winning wine brands. Mark is an experienced and intuitive winemaker, who is particularly fond of making intriguing blends and making the best wine possible from small lots of interesting BC grapes. In 2010, Mark created the “Siren’s Call” line of wines and these wines have won many medals and garnered critical acclaim in the BC wine scene.
The adventure continues with Mythology Vineyard and Sonora Desert Inn, allowing Mark to share the beauty of the natural world he cherishes through hand-crafted, world class wines and spirits.
OWNER AND OPERATOR
Teresa Centanni
While visiting the Sonora Desert Inn/Mythology Vineyard, you’re likely to find yourself in the company of our Owner/Operator, Teresa Centanni.
After moving to British Columbia in 1968 from Italy's Campania province at the age of 8, Teresa embraced her family's strong work ethic and excelled in studies. Following university, she originally succeeded in the dentistry industry before pursuing her passion working in the real estate industry. Ultimately ending up in the ever-growing wine industry of British Columbia and specifically the Okanagan wine region.
With a European background, and passion for wine, Teresa spent the past 10 years gaining knowledge in the wine industry through representing various wineries, taking classes, and meeting with industry experts. Her experiences nurtured her dream to be involved in not only sales, but the production of fine wines.
In 2022, Teresa's dream came true with the purchase of an established inn and vineyard now called” Sonora Desert Inn/Mythology Vineyard”.
Prior to purchasing the " Sonora Desert Inn/Mythology Vineyard”, Teresa saw great potential in the Inn and vineyard. With her knowledge and passion, she continues to make improvements to both the Inn and vineyard to ensure a quality product.
Going forward, Teresa will continue her studies in Viticulture to further enhance her knowledge of grape growing and the production of quality wines.
SONORA DESSERT INN / MYTHOLOGY VINEYARD
Our Story
Sonora Desert Inn and Mythology Vineyard sits on a four-acre property, located in Osoyoos, BC, Our vineyard, originally planted in 1995, features 3.5 acres of Merlot and 0.15 acres of Tempranillo. Sonora Desert Inn/Mythology Vineyard is perfectly equipped to deliver an intimate experience to both guests and wine lovers alike.
Our vines are established in sandy soil in a spectacular setting in the Okanagan Sonoran Desert, which is perhaps the best place in Canada to grow grapes. We make rare and special wines from our estate grapes, which we precisely farm for the very best quality. Our deep connections with other skilled growers, allows us to source small lots of the best grapes in BC.
Furthermore, we hold a craft distillery license, which allow us to make artisanal spirits distilled from our estate wine.
The inn features a 6500 square foot home with 4 bedrooms and all the rooms are artfully decorated and air conditioned.
While surrounded by breathtaking vineyards and mountains, guests will enjoy the combined experience of our winery, tasting room, and picnic area. Our mission is to provide a magical visitor experience based on warm and authentic hospitality, beautifully crafted wines and spirits, all in a spectacular setting of the South Okanagan Valley.
Sonora Desert Inn and Mythology Vineyard is truly a hidden gem, and our goal is for our guests to leave with the feeling that they have visited a boutique winery with a big heart, known for crafting big, flavorful wines.