Burrowing Owl Winery Announces Executive Chef & Hospitality Director

C., March 1, 2006 The Wyse Family is pleased to announce the appointment of Glenn Monk as Executive Chef and Hospitality Director at Burrowing Owl Estate Winery. "Glenn brings a wealth of international experience in the food, beverage and hospitality industry, which will be a real advantage when we open our new 10-room Guesthouse, this summer" says Jim Wyse, Burrowing Owl's founder.  "His proven success as an administrator and his expertise in leading and directing strong culinary teams will ensure that every guest experience at the winery will be exceptional.  Glenn wants to be involved and approachable with our guests and that is a style we have always encouraged.  He will be a valuable asset not only to our business but to the south Okanagan region as well.  He has a lot to offer."

Chef Monk's outstanding skills attracted the attention of Pan Pacific Hotels early in his career. A series of overseas assignments in leadership roles took him to large world class Pan Pacific resorts in Bangladesh, the Republic of Palau and Malaysia.  These were opportunities to develop and refine his knowledge and depth of international cuisine and to experience tourism in a variety of different cultures.  Through the enriching experience of working and traveling in 36 countries and with his genuine interest in people, Chef Monk has developed great insight and focus in the hospitality profession.

After his years abroad,  Chef Monk  returned to his British Columbia roots, accepting a position as Executive Chef at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler where his duties included the redesign and expansion of the kitchen.  His penchant for challenging tasks then led him to a series of positions with exclusive resorts in British Columbia and in Mexico, setting up food and beverage operations, developing menus and training staff.

The growth of culinary and agri-tourism in the Okanagan Valley is an exciting prospect for Chef Monk.  He sees this as a burgeoning tourist destination with fresh opportunities to develop a personal style reflective of the region.  "The Wyse family has done an amazing job profiling Burrowing Owl wines across the country. I look forward to working with them in building the winery's reputation as a top destination for wine, food and overall hospitality experiences" says Monk.