Proprietor

As CEO and President of the Azhadi Group, Mike brings over 40 years of leadership in business, engineering, and manufacturing. He has held executive roles within global hospitality corporations and owned ventures across restaurants and manufacturing environments worldwide. In 2018, Mike became a principal owner of Ex Nihilo in Lake Country, and in 2023, its proprietor. Azhadi Vineyards is the next chapter in this journey, a destination for refined wine, food, and guest experiences.

Proprietor

With over three decades in the healthcare field as a registered nurse, educator, and leader, Janet is deeply committed to improving people’s lives, both locally and internationally. Her philanthropic spirit and love of wine make her an integral part of the vision behind Azhadi Vineyards: a place where people come together through exceptional hospitality and shared experiences.

Senior Winemaker

Jim has overseen winemaking for the Azhadi Group since 2020, shaping the wine programs at Ex Nihilo and now Azhadi Vineyards. His career spans some of BC’s most celebrated wineries, including Mt. Boucherie, Church & State, Summerhill Pyramid, and Cedar Creek. At Azhadi, Jim returns to the roots of winemaking through a gravity-flow design and his first winery built from the ground up. He’s particularly excited about signature wines like Griffin and the sparkling rosé Amoris.

Director of Operations

Sanjaya brings extensive operational expertise from his leadership roles at luxury hotels, resorts, and golf properties throughout Western Canada and internationally. With experience managing large-scale renovations and new-build projects, he’s uniquely equipped to lead complex hospitality initiatives. Formerly Director of Food & Beverage and Executive Chef at Predator Ridge Resort, Sanjaya is now helping shape Azhadi into a world-class wine and tourism destination.

Group Executive Chef

Chef Alain is a classically trained French chef with over 30 years of experience in resorts, hotels, and restaurants. At Azhadi, he blends Persian culinary inspiration with locally sourced Canadian ingredients to create elevated and soulful cuisine. He previously held leadership roles at Eldorado Resort, Delta Grand Okanagan, Brentwood Bay Lodge, and Intercontinental Hotels, and now leads culinary programs across both Ex Nihilo and Azhadi.

Event Sales & Marketing Manager

Renée brings over 25 years of wine and hospitality experience to Azhadi. Her career began in Vancouver’s boutique hotels and led to global beverage program leadership with Princess Cruises in Los Angeles. After settling in the Okanagan in 2022, she dove into winery operations and marketing. Renée’s sommelier background and international perspective make her a natural fit to help build the Azhadi experience with authenticity, flair, and world-class service.

Director of Finance

Heather joined the Azhadi Group in 2021, overseeing finance and HR functions. A Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) and Chartered Business Valuator (CBV), she spent 25 years in public practice, most recently with KPMG LLP in Valuations and Deal Advisory. Passionate about learning the winery industry, she thrives in team collaboration and especially enjoys the lively energy of pick-up parties. Originally from Revelstoke, she now embraces the Okanagan lifestyle.

Membership Manager

Travis-Rene is a certified sommelier, storyteller, and direct-to-consumer expert who connects with guests through wine, culture, and art. With over a decade of experience in both hemispheres, he brings thoughtful luxury and creative vision to every wine club interaction. A WSET 4 graduate, digital artist, and multi-instrumentalist, he’s often found crafting something or retrieving his ukulele from Kalamalka Lake.

Wine Experience Manager

Originally from Pune, India, Neel moved to Canada in 2016 to study hospitality and beverage management. He began his wine career in Toronto before relocating to the Okanagan in 2021, where he led guest experiences at Phantom Creek and Monte Creek wineries. At Azhadi, Neel helps build authentic, high-touch experiences rooted in connection and care. When not working, he enjoys hiking, road trips, and deep conversations.