Jen Oishi is the winemaker for Gray Monk Winery in Lake Country, British Columbia. She was born and raised in the Okanagan, surrounded by orchards and vineyards, sparking her interest in the wine industry. After earning a degree in Microbiology from the University of British Columbia, she joined Gray Monk in 2011 as a laboratory technician. This allowed her to combine her passion for science with the artistry of winemaking.
Under the mentorship of longtime winemaker Roger Wong, Jen transitioned to assistant winemaker in 2015 and became the winemaker in 2020. Over the years, she’s developed strong relationships with the Gray Monk vineyard team and its trusted growers. Jen believes every glass of wine tells the story of its origin, shaped by the vineyard, the winery, and its history. Media Inquiries: carmen.santibanez@andrewpeller.com | www.graymonk.com
What’s the ONE THING most unique, authentic, & memorable about your brand?
George and Trudy Heiss, the original proprietors of Gray Monk, are considered pioneers of the BC wine industry. The Heiss family was the first to import Pinot Gris into Canada in 1976, and the winery’s name, Gray Monk, is derived from the English translation of the Austrian term for Pinot Gris.
The Heiss’s also played a key role in establishing the estate winery system. When Gray Monk opened its doors in 1982 as the third estate winery in BC, it represented a milestone for the province’s wine industry. At the time, commercial wineries dominated the market, making it difficult for individual producers to craft wine from their own grapes. Through their efforts to open Gray Monk and reform existing regulations, George and Trudy helped pave the way for change. Their leadership was instrumental in bringing together winery owners to create the Vintners’ Quality Alliance (VQA), a move that helped legitimize estate wineries in British Columbia.
Describe how and what you’d do with your winemaking career or winery business if you were not constrained.
If there were no constraints on my winemaking career or business, I would create a sustainable estate vineyard overlooking the stunning Okanagan Lake, specializing in cool-climate varietals. The vineyard would be a model of sustainability, using regenerative farming practices and earning organic certifications. Solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and geothermal energy would power the estate, ensuring that the winery operates with a minimal carbon footprint.
My focus would be on producing wines that are not only world-class but also environmentally responsible. Everything we produce would be grown on the property, from the grapes to the herbs and vegetables used in the winery’s restaurant and culinary experiences. The winery itself would be designed with a commitment to small-lot winemaking, utilizing gravity-fed systems that allow for minimal intervention and more natural processes. The barrel cellar would be constructed underground to take advantage of natural cooling, ensuring the wine matures in the most energy-efficient environment possible.
In addition to creating exceptional wines, I’d focus on making the winery approachable for people new to wine. This would involve offering educational experiences, from vineyard tours to tastings, where guests can learn about the winemaking process, sustainability practices, and the unique terroir of the Okanagan Valley.
What is the One Wine most emblematic of your brand and/or winemaking style? Tell us its story.
We’re excited to share our Odyssey White Brut with you. This sparkling wine blends Riesling, Pinot Blanc, and Chardonnay, varietals that thrive in the cold Okanagan climate, perfectly complementing the region’s terroir. The grapes for this wine are typically the first to be harvested, marking the start of our harvest season. We even do a toast to the press with a bit of the previous vintage, making it an exciting and celebratory moment for the team. The cool nighttime temperatures of the Okanagan Valley help preserve its bright acidity, while apple and citrus notes shine through on the palate. This is a truly hands-on wine, crafted with care by our team from start to finish. This wine is perfect for a celebration or a quiet Tuesday night. Check out the Odyssey wine review by clicking here.
Why Winemaking?
I love the balance of art and science that winemaking offers because it brings together creativity and precision in a harmonious way. For me, it’s a perfect blend of tradition, the expression of the land, and innovation. Each vintage tells its own unique story, keeping the process fresh, challenging, and exciting. No two vintages are ever the same, which is what makes every year a new adventure.