Laurent Lafuente
Stonehill Estate Winery ♦ Spiller Estate Winery
Laurent Lafuente is a French Winemaker with many years of experience in the winemaking process in wineries located in France and Switzerland. Prior to graduating as a Winemaker from the Ecole d’Ingénieurs de Changins, Switzerland in 1999, he held a diploma in agricultural soil and plant analysis and biotechnology, and worked in very modern laboratories.
Between 2000 and 2005, he worked in rum distilleries in British Guyana and Antigua where he created portfolios of new alcoholic beverages. As the Master Blender of Antigua Distillery Ltd. "My task was to manage the rum production" he says, "but my best souvenir was winning a rare double gold award for a 5yr old Rum, at the San Francisco Spirits Competition in 2004 & 2005, providing recognition at an international level".
In moving to Canada in 2005, Laurent chose to settle in the Okanagan Valley because of the great potential of the area. "It is a region that provides an excellent opportunity to tie quality family life with an exciting professional career" he believes.
Spirit West Distillery and Spiller Estate Winery are his latest challenges. Laurent is very excited to be able to offer 100% premium fruit wine and spirits using top quality Okanagan fruits. He is becoming well-known for his port-style wines, which he fortifies with the brandies he has distilled from Okanagan fruits and grapes.