An innovative winemaker and icon in the Canadian wine industry, Anthony von Mandl has dedicated his life to developing the wine industry in BC’s Okanagan Valley. That’s where he created a world-class destination with his Mission Hill Family Estate Winery, firmly planting the Okanagan Valley on the world wine map, and bringing international recognition and agri-tourism to the region.
Anthony was born in Vancouver, and after finishing university began his first of many entrepreneurial enterprises when he launched into the wine business in 1972 with his Mark Anthony Wine Merchants. He was the first wine merchant in Canada… one of many “firsts” throughout his career.
By 1981 he had set his sights on the Okanagan Valley and purchased one of five wineries in the area. He renamed his latest vision Mission Hill Family Estate Winery and set off on his mission to produce wines that rivaled the best in the world.
It wasn’t long before he began to gain international recognition and awards for his BC-grown wines. In 1994, Anthony made a mark on the wine world when Mission Hill won the “Best Chardonnay in the World” at the prestigious International Wine and Spirit Competition in England. From 2001 to 2013, Mission Hill winery was chosen as “Canadian Winery of the Year” six times. And among the many international accolades, honours and achievements over the years, Mission Hill also won “World’s Best Pinot Noir” in 2013.
Anthony has been recognized and awarded many honours throughout his career including The Queen Elizabeth Golden Jubilee Medal, The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Order of British Columbia. His deep love of agriculture, passion for innovation and creativity, and unending support for his community has driven his lifelong quest to raise awareness and stature for agri-tourism in British Columbia.
Today, Anthony owns four leading wineries in the Okanagan Valley. More than 125,000 visitors take in the sites, tastes and agri-tourism he’s helped create in the region. He grows 95% of the grapes needed for his wineries. And his dedicated approach to integrating sustainability practices throughout his orchards, wineries and culinary programs is ensuring the future productivity and profitability of the majestic Okanagan Valley for generations to come.
