Our Story

For how we gather today, and
tomorrow.

Valley Commons is a way of gathering, of relishing in BC’s mountains and lakes, the sweeping vineyards and abundant orchards. Here, you’re welcomed as family.

WHERE WE STARTED

Valley Commons is a start-up winery located in the South Okanagan owned by retired professional athletes; husband-wife duo Rudy Verhoeff and Kyla Richey. There vision is that the winery is a place where people gather to celebrate life and connect with friends and family while appreciating the beauty of the Okanagan Valley. The couple intend Valley Commons to embody a ‘come as you are’ spirit, a place where everyone feels welcome. The tasting room was located at the District Wine Village from 2021 until summer of 2024.

WHERE WE ARE NOW

Valley Commons is a spot for friends and family, for special occasions and spontaneous get-togethers, for relationships new and old. Whether serving from our tasting room at Stoneboat Vineyards or sending our sips on the road for your next weekend getaway, we’re sharing our valleys’ bounty—beyond the wine. The essence of carefree summers, lakeside picnics, slow afternoons with friends. It’s an invitation to release, reconnect and rediscover. Valley Commons becomes a journey and a destination for all things life. Valley Commons continues to be owned by the Verhoeff family.

Our Tasting Room in Oliver, BC at Stoneboat Vineyards

Valley Commons is nestled between South Okanagan’s stunning mountain vistas and rolling fields that produce the province’s finest wine; along the Black Sage Road. We extend a heartfelt invitation to all guests and wine enthusiasts.

VALLEY COMMONS IS A PLACE TO
COME AS YOU ARE.

Our Founders

Kyla Richey – Founder

Kyla had a strong foundation in sports as a former captain of a prominent Canadian Women’s Team, however she now has embarked on a new chapter of her life. Fueled by her passion for photography, authentic living and building meaningful connections in the Valley. Kyla now channels her energy into uniting wine and community here at Valley Commons, creating a unique space where people come together to gather.

Rudy Verhoeff – Founder

Rudy, a Canadian Olympian, met Kyla through their mutual love for athletics. Rudy has a passion for hospitality and over a decade of expertise in cultivating successful teams. He holds a firm belief in the unifying power between exceptional wine and cuisine in the Okanagan Valley brings individuals together and nurtures a special community bond here. He wanted that to be the centralized focus of the Valley Commons experience hence the tag line ‘Where We Gather’.

Leadership

Ian Scromeda – Executive Vice President.

Ian started coming to the Okanagan Valley from the young age of 5 when he would come to visit his grandparents on their farm. Ian worked at Poplar Grove for 5 years as the Director of Operations and in late 2019 Ian joined the team at Phantom Creek as the Estate Director, one of British Columbia’s largest and most prestigious wineries. In 2021 Ian, his wife, and two of their friends started Joiryde Winery which is located in the District Wine Village. Ian joined Valley Commons in 2022, overseeing all aspects of the business in the Okanagan Valley.

Winnie – Sales & Keeper of good vibes.

Rescued and adopted from Puerto Rico in 2021, to currently living her best life in BC.

BEHIND THE WINE

Kyle Lyons – Winemaker.

Growing up in Summerland, Kyle has always been surrounded by vineyards and wineries. In 2004, at only 18 years old, Kyle began working in the industry at Sumac Ridge Winery. During his 5 years there, he worked closely with a highly accomplished winemaking team and this is when he discovered his love of wine. From Sumac Ridge to Artus Bottling to Bannockburn Vineyards (Australia) to Liquidity Wines, he continued to refine his skills and grow his passion. In 2021 Kyle reached out to Kyla & Rudy after hearing their plans to open Valley Commons and after meeting and discussing opportunities, all parties were in complete alignment. Kyle brings innovation through unique grape varieties and winemaking methods to every bottle of Valley Commons wines.

GENERAL MANAGER

Andrew Young – General Manager (Okanagan).

Andrew’s love for wine started at a young age when his uncle, a winemaker, began showing him the ‘behind the scenes’ of the wine world. Andrew was presented with an exciting opportunity that led him to the Okanagan Valley and ultimately to working in the industry that he loves. His time spent as the Guest Experience Manager at CheckMate Winery and the Hospitality Manager at Phantom Creek Winery have been important steppingstones that have led him to his exciting new role as the General Manager of Okanagan Operations for Valley Commons. With a degree in Hospitality Management and having obtained his WSET level 3, Andrew takes all aspects of his job, especially customers’ experiences in the tasting room, to the next level!