Shanyn Ward

Before moving into wine retail, Shanyn Ward spent many years working in all facets of the restaurant industry – her curiosity for food was the driving factor to travel and gain more experience. This, in turn, ignited her passion for wine. After working as a Beverage Manager at a prominent restaurant in Auckland, New Zealand, for 3 ½ years, being fully immersed in wine, touring and spending as much time in vineyards as possible led her back to the Okanagan to pursue an interest in Viticulture. Upon her return to Canada, Shanyn completed the Viticulture Certificate at Okanagan College as well as the WSET Diploma program.

Shanyn played a key role in establishing Cask & Barrel in West Kelowna and worked as their wine purchaser for several years. Her goal was to create a uniquely different experience for Okanagan Valley consumers to gain knowledge in a retail environment and expose them a progressive international selection of wine. Her sought-after monthly educational seminars featured winemakers and viticulturists (often from overseas), who came to encourage the growth of not only consumers, but also wine industry professionals.

Shanyn works as the Wine Portfolio Manager for Metro Liquor, overseeing the wine programs for all retail locations.

“What I love most about my job in the wine industry is it’s always changing and evolving. No day ever looks the same and I will never run out of things to learn and people to meet. A job in the wine industry will always keep you moving forward.”