About Us
Our Name
For many years while still living in Calgary, Rob and Michelle would travel to the Okanagan in search of the small boutique wines that weren’t available in the Alberta market. Inevitably, they would fill their car with cases and cases of amazing wines…and “smuggle” them back across the border to share with family and friends. They became known as the Wine Black Marketeers, so when they set up their own winery, choosing the name was easy!
Rob Hammersley
The Day Job: I’m a winegrower, tending to our small vineyard in the picturesque town of Kaleden in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia and hand-crafting distinctive small-batch wines.
The “Old” Job: A former senior corporate finance and strategy professional in the power and utilities industry.
The Facts: Viticulture and Enology Certificates from Washington State University. WSET Level 3 certified. Cycling and hockey enthusiast.
Michelle Shewchuk
The Day Job: Flies the friendly skies as a flight attendant with an international airline.
The “Side” Job: Co-conspirator of Black Market Wine Co. Tasting room guru and vineyard whisperer. Voice of reason, sounding board and fresh palate.
The Facts: WSET Level 2 certified. Mother of 3 (4, if you include Rob). I run…a lot.
