Our People

OUR WINEMAKER

Ryan de Witte | Ryan joined the Rust team prior to the 2019 harvest, during which he assumed full control of the winemaking program. A passion for single vineyard wines, an adept palate, and a spirit of experimentation made him a perfect fit for the vision of Rust Wine Co.

Ryan has enjoyed previous acclaim with single vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnays from Niagara's Leaning Post Wines, which won two consecutive Platinum awards at the National Wine Align Awards of Canada.

He is thrilled to be able to use the knowledge and experience he has gained over the course of his career to showcase our set of vineyards through the crafting of small-lot terroir driven wines.

“I love to experiment and try new things, but my guiding principle
is that the wines need to be delicious.”

OUR HOSPITALITY MANAGER

Kaitlin Friesen | Born and raised in the flatlands of Saskatchewan, Kaitlin's early life was far from vineyards and the smell of fermenting grapes. Passionate about the hospitality industry, Kaitlin completed her tourism and hospitality management diploma in college before eventually arriving in the Okanagan and Rust Wine Co. where she cut her teeth in the wine industry.

After a brief hiatus, Kaitlin returned to us in 2024 to take the helm of the hospitality program at Rust and has continued to embrace our goal of providing the warmest hospitality possible for our wine club members, regulars, and newcomers alike. 

FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS

Kane Morgan | 1986-2023

Kane was Rust Wine Co. employee number one, having been involved in the construction of the winery from the ground up. He created one of the most remarkable and hospitable environments in the entire Canadian wine industry, leaving an indelible professional and personal legacy. 

Anyone who had the privilege of knowing him would have experienced his unbounded hospitality, sincerity, and humour. They would have understood immediately that he was not a common man. Kane was a truly exceptional person in every facet of his life, from his superb intellect and way with words, to his dedication to his family both immediate and extended, to his voracious commitment to living a truly full and remarkable life that touched everyone around him in a deep and meaningful way.

We will forever do what we can to honour our beloved friend here at Rust Wine Co.