OUR STORY
Ben Bryant’s journey in wine began on a farm near Mudgee, one of Australia’s most exciting wine regions. Before moving to the Okanagan Valley in 2018, he held the title of Chief Winemaker for Pernod Ricard Winemakers Australia, overseeing some of the country’s most renowned wineries, including Jacob’s Creek and St Hugo. Taking a leap of faith, he moved halfway across the world with his three children—Bella, Hamish, and Jilly—to join Mission Hill as VP of Winemaking. During his time there, he contributed to the winery’s continued success before deciding to set out on his own. His vision was clear: to put his hands on every step of the winemaking process, from vineyard to bottle, and to build something lasting for his family.
Katie, originally from the Okanagan, returned home in 2018 after a decade in South Africa, where she developed a deep passion for wine. With a background in hospitality, marketing, and wine writing, she immersed herself in the industry, earning a Diploma from the “Wine and Spirits Educations Trust” and publishing work on the South African wine scene. Back in the Okanagan with her two young children, Isla and Piper, she continued her work in the wine industry, consulting for local wineries and businesses. She had a distinct perspective on wine and a strong sense of how she wanted to build something of her own, always seeking the right opportunity to bring that vision to life.
Ben and Katie met in 2019, drawn together by a shared love for wine and a common dream: to farm, own, and grow a wine business rooted in craftsmanship and family.
“We wanted to produce wines that tell a distinct story of place and potential when they reach the glass. We wanted to contribute to this exciting and evolving wine region. Most importantly, we wanted to create something our children could be part of and proud of.”
That vision took shape in 2022 when Ben and Katie took over 1 Mill Road from David and Cynthia Enns—respected pioneers in the Okanagan wine community and founders of Laughing Stock Vineyards. After selling Laughing Stock, the Enns purchased a former pear orchard on Mill Road for exactly one million dollars, inspiring the winery name. They planted this 1.5-acre plot exclusively to one clone of Pinot Noir, Dijon 115. Now known as Home Block, the vineyard remains the heart and soul of the brand. Today, Ben and Katie continue their legacy, farming with intention, crafting wines with precision, and sourcing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from sustainably farmed vineyards across the Okanagan Valley and beyond.
