Derek Uhlemann

Background

About Derek Uhlemann

DEREK UHLEMANN Independant Grocery Store Owner Derek Uhlemann’s career started in Vancouver Island’s vibrant culinary scene before settling in the south Okanagan Valley 1998. His stops along the way included a fly-in fishing lodge in northern BC, tree planting camps in the interior of BC, an Albanian mining camp, owning an après ski wine bar at Silver Star ski resort, and creating Piggy’s BBQ restaurant on Lakeshore Drive in Penticton BC. Derek has worked with restaurants, farmers, vintners, and food artisans throughout British Columbia as an advocate for certified organic and minimal-intervention food production. Derek’s enthusiasm for delicious, accessible and healthy foods, has led him to forge alliances with like-minded chefs, vintners, and educators who share his passion. With experience in all aspects of food consultation, Derek brings creative focus and a large professional network to any business venture. In particular over the last 20 years, Derek has been part of developing the BC wine industry. Having experience in all avenues of winery production, from vineyard to the bottle, Derek has well-rounded and practical experience in making wineries successful. Recent work includes four years for Covert Farms Family Estate during their re-branding and winery development, and assisting Fairview Cellars in their vineyards and winery production for the 2016 vintage. Derek was a board member for the Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association for 2 years and the culinary coordinator for their signature events, including “Pig Out” and “The Half Corked Marathon”. Derek has been featured in a number of TV productions, including “The Amazing Race Canada,” “Ventures in Wine Country,” “BBC Wild Table,” “ The Four Senses CBC,” “Travel Channel China,” and “Global News Vancouver. “ In 2018 Derek Started Oliver Eats Ltd a independant grocery store and cheese shop in the heart of wine country. Currently Derek lives in Okanagan Falls, BC with his wife and daughter, and owns Oliver Eats Ltd an Independant Community Grocery Store in Oliver BC.