[OKANAGAN FALLS, BC] Some good BC wine news to share: Blasted Church Vineyards has promoted Jamie MacNeill from Cellarmaster to Assistant Winemaker as the winery launches its 2025 Vintage and celebrates a return to BC-grown fruit.
MacNeill joined Blasted Church during the 2019 harvest and has become an integral part of the winery’s production team. “Since joining the team, she has helped me guide wines from grape to bottle through every stage of the process,” says winemaker Evan Saunders. “This includes grape intake, fermentation management, barrel work, blending, filtration and laboratory analysis. She has touched all parts of the winemaking journey for the last five years.”
She brings a Bachelor of Science in Biological Science, two vintages of experience in Australia’s Barossa Valley, and a practical approach shaped by both technical expertise and hands-on craftsmanship.
In her previous role as Cellarmaster, MacNeill worked closely with the team across all aspects of production while contributing to the consistency and quality of the winery’s portfolio.
“Jamie has earned this opportunity through years of commitment, technical skill and an incredible work ethic,” said Blasted Church Director of Operations Tanya Martin. “She brings curiosity, precision and creativity to the cellar every day and has become an important part of shaping where our wines are headed.”
Jamie MacNeill, assistant winemaker at Blasted Church Vineyards
The promotion arrives as Blasted Church releases its 2025 Spring Collection and welcomes BC fruit back into the winery’s lineup.
Following a period that challenged vineyards and wineries across the province, the new releases represent an important moment for the team and a return to local fruit that reflects the resilience of BC’s grape-growing community. The wine lineup remains true to the Blasted Church approach: serious about wine, not overly serious about itself.
MacNeill said the opportunity to continue growing within the winery and help shape future vintages is one she is excited to embrace.
“What I love most about winemaking is that there is always something new to learn,” said MacNeill. “Every vintage is different and every day brings new challenges. I am excited to continue building on what we have created and to be part of bringing BC fruit back into the glass.”
Outside the cellar, MacNeill enjoys teaching dance, baking elaborate cakes, reading, camping, hiking and travelling. She is also known among the team for occasionally interrupting production to rescue grasshoppers and frogs from an untimely fate.
2025 vintages of Sauvignon Blanc, Unorthodox Chardonnay & Blaufränkisch Rosé
About Blasted Church
Located in the heart of British Columbia's Okanagan Valley, Blasted Church Vineyards is known for its premium wines and playful branding. For more than 20 years, the winery has amassed a loyal following of wine lovers who appreciate its unique approach to winemaking, commitment to quality, and ability to combine the serious business of producing high-quality wine with a fun approach to life and love of wine. Blasted Church Vineyards is a family-owned and operated winery located in Okanagan Falls, British Columbia.
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Media inquiries: Sierra Simpson, sierra@townhallbrands.com