It was clear to us that there must be specific criteria to identify these Noble Knights and Dames. After considerable thought, the following criteria were adopted. All Noble Knights and Dames must demonstrate all 3 criteria, exhibiting “above and beyond” expected qualities and behaviours.
NOBLE DEEDS
Professional accomplishments and excellence, contributions through participation in charities, volunteer work, public service or other noteworthy causes.
NOBLE TRAITS
Personal characteristics and qualities, reflected in our Culture statement, which stand out as an example to be emulated by others.
NOBLE AMBASSADOR
Past and current support for Noble Ridge and exceptional promotion of its business and ideals.
Our Noble Knights and Dames will be recognized in several ways:
- A personalized label on a unique wine will be created for the Noble Knight and Dame. Each wine’s back label will include a “noble quote”, reflecting the individual. This label program will take place over time, as unique wines are identified and produced.
- Noble Knights and Dames will be recognized on our website and introduced to our Wine Club members.
- Noble Knights and Dames will be celebrated at Noble Ridge events, when possible.
INTRODUCING…
RICHARD POWERS
Powers Vintage 2017 Chardonnay
Richard is constantly buying and promoting NR wine to his friends, business associates and family. He has assisted in expanding our Wine Club in Ontario. As Associate Professor at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Business, he has been awarded numerous teaching awards for excellence, in addition to his considerable volunteer contributions, e.g., with the Canadian Commonwealth Games, Rugby Canada and the Canadian Olympic Committee.
Quote on Powers Vintage Chardonnay 2017 back label:
“You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him.” — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
DRS. JIM & PAM STONE
Stone Vintage 2017 Cabernet
Both Jim and Pam are practicing physicians and have made significant professional and volunteer contributions in each of their fields, cardiology, and pediatrics respectively. They have contributed their time and support on-site at NR on many occasions. In addition, they have held events and promoted NR wines, personally purchasing NR wines to send to their friends and colleagues.
Quote on Stone Vintage Cabernet 2017 back label:
“Life ought to be a struggle of desire toward adventures whose nobility will fertilize the soul.” —Rebecca West
BARBARA SHEPERD
Sheperd Vintage 2018 Pinot Noir
Barbara Shepard has been a kindred spirit to all those associated with Noble Ridge. She has an incredible number of interesting and varied life accomplishments. She has written a book, travelled the world and worked for several companies in the legal field, rising to the role of national Brand Manager for a large, internationaly recognized law firm. Today she spends most of her time living in rural Ontario, volunteering her time and expertise in the world of horse therapy for Hope Haven, an organization working with kids with a range of abilities.
Quote on the Sheperd Vintage Pinot Noir 2018 back label:
“There isn’t anything noble about being superior to another person. True nobility is in being superior to the person you once were.” — Ziad K. Abdelnour
BRUCE MCFARLANE & JANICE HEARD
McFarlane/Heard Vintage 2018 Chardonnay
Bruce McFarlane and Janice Heard have long been fans of great wines. Bruce has recently retired from the Alberta Oil and Gas sector and Janice continues to practise as a Pediatrician, specializing in the area of low income and disadvantaged families. Both are incredibly active in the charitable-giving world. Bruce served as Chair of the Board for Calgary’s United Way campaign and also now sits permanently on the United Way Calgary’s Indigenous Advisory Committee. Janice has volunteered for over 15 years overseas in Laos with small, rural communities to offer medical education, build schools, bring clean water to the classrooms as well as much need school supplies, sports uniforms and even internet to some communities.
Quote on the McFarlane/Heard Vintage Chardonnay 2018 back label:
“A noble purpose inspires sacrifice, stimulates innovation and encourages perseverance.” — Gary Hamel
RICHARD OUELLET
Ouellet Vintage 2018 Block 13 Pinot Noir
Richard Ouellet is of those people you never forget. “Rico” has a huge heart and can usually be found doing something for someone else. Rico had a long distinguished career in public service as Alberta’s Director of Child Welfare. He has served on the board of the Family Violence Health Center and now serves as its Chair, along with the many charities and programs, such as the Food Bank, that he supports and volunteers with. Richard’s contributions to Noble Ridge family are extensive. He has scaled trees, worked bottling lines, re-painted signage, fixed almost anything and almost single handedly set up the infrastructure for Pinot Noir Block 13, affectionately know as Rico’s Block. The Ouellet Pinot Noir is comprised of grapes chosen only from Block 13 – Rico’s Block.
Quote on the Ouellet Vintage Pinot Noir 2018 back label:
“Do Things for people not because of who they are or what they can do in return, but because of who you are.”
— Harold S. Kushner
DOUG & DIANE CORBISHLEY
Corbishley Vintage 2019 Chardonnay
Doug and Diane Corbishley have been strong and loyal supporters from their first visit to Noble Ridge. Their smiling faces can be seen bringing friends and family to many a tasting, supporting local musical talent, and attending most Noble Ridge Events. While in Africa, Doug and Diane helped build a farm school and brought fresh water, equipment and school uniforms to the community. More recently, they have been involved in Accelerate Okanagan, the Okanagan Hockey Group and contributed an annual scholarship and the “Corbishley Family Reading Room” to UCBO.
Quote on the Corbishley Vintage Chardonnay back label:
“The power of noble deeds is to be preserved and passed on to the future” — Joshua Chamberlain
JOYCE, STEVE & BRIAN MACINTOSH
Clan MacIntosh 2019 Merlot
Clan MacIntosh is a nod to Leslie’s family, her Mom and Dad, Joyce and Steve, and her brother Brian. All three have shown their unqualified love and support for Jim and Leslie, including all things Noble Ridge. During their years in Toronto Joyce and Steve contributed to their communities, focusing on working with youth. Today, Joyce contributes significantly to the Penticton Public Library and is sure to be at every Noble Ridge event. She is a regular at the Noble Ridge Tasting Room, rarely missing a weekend to visit and enthusiastically cheer on the team.
Brian has pointed both corporate customers and good friends in the direction of Noble Ridge. He has also offered many creative and innovative ideas and suggestions for Noble Ridge. Brian and his wife Kate are currently creating an unique community resource, Bridges.
Quote on the Clan MacIntosh back label:
“It is noble to teach oneself: it is still nobler to teach others” — Mark Twain
Katherine McEachnie
McEachnie Vintage 2018 Blanc de Blanc Magnum
Katherine has been a huge supporter of Noble Ridge wines from the first time she tasted them at an Okanagan Falls/Skaha Lake Winery Association wine tasting in Vancouver. Katherine has been a Champagne and French Wine Judge for the International Wine and Spirits Competition in London, England for 10 years. She is a holder of the WSET Diploma with Merit from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust, A French Wine Scholar, and a Master of Champagne from the Wine Scholar Guild. Katherine’s enthusiasm for Noble Ridge Wines was inspiring and encouraged Noble Ridge to reach for excellence. Katherine has also been very involved with several charitable organizations over the years. Of note, she served for 10 years on the Leadership Advisory Committee for Juvenile Diabetes Research Committee. She is currently a member of the 100 Women Who Care Association.
Quote on the McEachnie Vintage back label:
“The noble soul occupies itself with wisdom and friendship” — Epicurus
Chef Vincent Parkinson
Parkinson Vintage 2020 Cabernet Merlot
Chef Vincent Parkinson has been an enthusiastic supporter of Noble Ridge, proudly bringing Noble Ridge wines around the world to international chefs and Sommeliers with a view to highlighting what Canadian wines can be. Chef Vincent was a member of the Culinary Team Alberta from 1990, and team captain from 1992. In his capacity as Team Captain, he won gold medals at the 1994 Culinary World Cup and the 1996 Culinary Olympics. In 1997, he was co-captain of Team Canada, winning the World Championship at the Culinary Grand Prix in Glasgow. Chef Vincent was also awarded the prestigious “Medaille de Vermeil” from The Confrérie de la Chaîne de Rôtisseurs in 1992. In 2004, he was awarded the Gold Star of Excellence to recognize his mentorship and work within the Chaîne. Chef Vincent has also been heavily involved in numerous charitable endeavors, including UNICEF, Alberta Ballet, and the Special Olympics.
Quote on the Parkinson Vintage back label:
“Back of every noble life there are principles that have fashioned it.” — George Lorimer
In this day and age where leadership and the characteristics of nobility are extremely rare commodities, these inductees are shining examples of what can be achieved as human beings. We are truly blessed to be associated with such Noble People; please join us in celebrating their new titles.
This is just the beginning, look for new Noble Knights and Dames in the future and expansion to the program. We are just getting started….