Overhead view of 3 wine glasses on a table

BC BTAC

British Columbia Beverage Technology Access Centre (BC BTAC) supports the Canadian beverage industry’s innovation and growth by providing a comprehensive range of expert analytical, commercial and sensory services and resources.

We work with individuals, companies and organizations within a collaborative framework to exchange knowledge, ideas and resources leading to real-world solutions for the development of domestic beverages, including fermented, brewed, distilled and non-alcoholic products. Our vision is to work with industry toward sustained economic and intellectual growth.

Laboratory analysis

BC BTAC is your one-stop-shop for any and all analytical services. We have traditional wet-lab capabilities as well as state-of-the-art technologies for testing smoke taint, TCA (corkiness), pesticides, herbicides and many other elements that may appear in beverages. We work with PhD Scientists to develop Standard Operating Procedures which make excellent use of our GC-MS (Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry) and GC-FID (Flame Ionization Detection). Our laboratory is VQA-certified by the BC Wine Authority (BCWA) and Certificates of Analysis (COAs) accompany all testing.

Online Intake Form

Janice pouring samples into test tubes
5 wine glasses on a table
Analytical testing
View price list pdf

Sensory services

BC BTAC works with experienced sensory professionals to assess a wide range of beverages for our clients. From descriptive tasting notes to fault identification to shelf-life testing analysis, we will customize a plan to your unique business needs.

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Wendy smelling wine in a glass

Business services

BC BTAC will work with you to address a wide range of business planning needs. From industry intelligence to market research to grant accessibility, we can help your business thrive.

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Text reading Marketing Plan printed on a piece of paper

Listen to On Another Track Podcast with David Wilson as he interviews Guarav Maan, a third generation vintner who manages Maan Farms winery in Abbotsford, BC.

Audio file

Education

Our centre embraces the mission of Okanagan College to transform lives and communities, recognizing the unique place the beverage industry holds in our province as an economic driver with the potential to create opportunities, embrace entrepreneurship, advance applied research, and encourage innovation.  We infuse all of our initiatives with the following core values:

  • Applied Research
  • Collaboration
  • Integrity
  • Confidentiality
  • Respect
  • Sustainability
  • Accountability
Mireille at the front of a classroom holding a glass of wine while wearing a face mask

TAC talks

Stay tuned for future dates.

Let us know if you know someone who would be interested in conducting a TAC talk.

Workshop Series

Check back for upcoming workshops

Have a topic you'd like to see covered here? Do you know someone who would be a great presenter for a beverage-related presentation? 

Contact us at: bcbtac@okanagan.bc.ca

Research and development

BC BTAC can pool resources and access a wide range of industry expertise to assist in product development to clients’ unique specifications. Have an idea for a new beverage? We can help to fine-tune the recipe and bring your idea to fruition.

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Leonard at laboratory computer analyzing data

Networking

BC BTAC has created an elaborate plan to develop a tangible network between a wide range of businesses within the beverage industry using social media technology. A valuable support to beverage producers, suppliers and industry stakeholders, BC BTAC provides promotional opportunities for existing and potential clients while leveraging combined strengths, experiences and dedication to the mutual benefit of all involved.

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Mireille pointing at her cellphone

Student Job Opportunities

OKANAGAN COLLEGE – BC Beverage Technology Access Centre

JOB DESCRIPTION – Student Research Assistant

POSITION SUMMARY

In accordance with Letter of Understanding #3 – Research Projects, and under the general supervision of the Manager of the BC Beverage Technology Access Centre (BCBTAC), and the direct supervision of a College Professor, the Research Assistant assists and supports the supervisor with research-related activities pertaining to the BCBTAC and  research projects in positions funded primarily from research grants, employed to perform work that falls under the jurisdiction of the support staff bargaining unit. Research Assistants will gain real world knowledge working on projects and strategizing to support the scope of a new business.

FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES

The Research Assistant will assist the supervisor by performing the following duties:

  1. Assists with research and reviews research methodology and updates knowledge for educational purposes.
  2. Searches literature sources pertaining to the relevant areas of research.
  3. Assists in collecting, recording, compiling, summarizing data, and disseminating information
  4. Participates in research activities related to the subject area being investigated such as events, interviews, reading articles and listening to speakers.
  5. Assists in identifying perspective subjects for research.
  6. Assists in researching information for grants, research grants and research papers.
  7. Performs other duties as assigned

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Students must currently be enrolled at Okanagan College or other post-secondary institution in at least their second year of a full-time accredited program.

Knowledge and interest in the lead researcher’s area of expertise is required. Research experience is preferred. Prior work experience is an asset and preference will be given to students with direct research or previous work experience in the following fields:

  • Beverages, including fermented beverages and non-alcoholic
  • Food science including nutritional analysis
  • Consumer and market research

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Current knowledge in research methodology for educational purposes.
  • Excellent research skills with the ability to synthesize data/information and develop/deliver findings and recommendations.
  • Works effectively both independently and as part of a team
  • Well-developed organizational skills.
  • Detail-oriented.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, internet and database research
  • Attention to detail and excellent time management skills to coordinate research activities
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively and to take direction

CORE COMPETENCIES

  • Collaboration & Collegiality
  • Continuous Learning & Information Seeking
  • Effective Interactive Communication
  • Initiative
  • Integrity & Accountability
  • Student & Service Focus

If you are interested, please send all resumes to bcbtac@okanagan.bc.ca

Meet the team

Years of experience

As of 2023, together at the BC BTAC we have:

  • Almost 60 years of experience in laboratory work
  • 50+ years  of experience in hospitality
  • 40 years of experience in administration and management
  • Nearly 40 years of experience in beverage production

Wesley Peterson, General Manager, BC BTAC

For the past 20 years, Wesley Peterson has been engaged in various capacities across the global travel, tourism and hospitality sectors. His prior experience includes financial positions with both Canadian Airlines and Air Canada as well as executive roles with Expedia Inc.. As Vice President Commercial at Expedia, he managed airline negotiations and other travel portfolios throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa from Expedia’s UK offices in London. In addition to his role with the BC BTAC, Peterson also looks after the Canadian marketing and distribution portfolio of Odin Brewing Company, which he co-owns. The brewery operates multiple locations out of Washington State and brews under license in Vancouver, BC with distribution throughout Western Canada. Peterson holds a Bachelor of Science (Genetics) from the University of British Columbia and an MBA (Finance) from the University of Calgary. Wes leads the Centre to support research, development and innovation for the beverage sector across Canada as part of its joint mandate between Okanagan College and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) in Ottawa.

Wes Peterson headshot

Catherine Kubis, Executive Assistant, BC BTAC

Catherine Kubis joined the BC Beverage Technology Access Centre in 2019 as the Executive Assistant. In 2018, Catherine graduated from the Executive Office Administration program at the College of the North Atlantic in St. John’s, Newfoundland, earning herself the President’s award for her program. While studying, she was an active member on the College’s student council as the Special Events Coordinator in her first year and as President in her second year. She conducted her work term in Kamloops, BC and eventually made her way to the Okanagan to specifically work for Okanagan College, where she continues to enhance her knowledge and skills in the administration and fermented beverage industry. Catherine is a proud and contributing member of the JOHS committee for Okanagan College’s Penticton campus and is excited to continue advocating and learning more about the fermented beverage industry in the beautiful Okanagan Valley. 

Catherine Kubis headshot

Ben Isaksen, Laboratory Technician, BC BTAC

Ben is the most recent addition to the team at BCBTAC but that doesn’t mean he’s a stranger to wine.  He has for the last 20 years been involved in the Okanagan wine industry in varying capacities – from Sommelier for the Steakhouse at Big White to vineyard supervisor/cellar assistant for Osoyoos Larose to Filtration/RO Technician for Cellar Dweller to Lab Technician at Okanagan Wine Lab.  His career began when working at The White Horse on Parson’s Green in London, UK learning to care for the ales in their cellar gaining an affinity for great beer.  He focused on wine when he finished the ISG’s Sommelier Certificate and moved to the Okanagan.  Not long after, he switched gears toward wine science and went back to school for a BSc in Biochemistry from UBCO.  He furthered that with the Online Viticulture and Enology Certificate from UCDavis.  When not at work, you can find Ben playing chef or working in his yard.

Isaksen-Ben

Dr. Leonard Lermer, Chemistry Faculty, Okanagan College

Leonard Lermer was involved with the initial application for the BC BTAC and continues to stay on as a researcher. He has been both teaching organic chemistry and involved in many interdisciplinary research projects for more than 20 years. Currently he is also into his second term as the Chair of the Chemistry Department at Okanagan College. After receiving his BSc from the University of Lethbridge, Dr. Lermer obtained his PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry with Dr. Larry Weiler at UBC. He then did postdoctoral work in natural products with botanist, Dr. Neil Towers. Following this, he began teaching organic chemistry at UBC where he began doing research with a biochemistry group, carrying out the solid phase synthesis of modified DNA-based enzymes having sequence specific RNA cleaving activity. His skills in synthetic organic chemistry and instrumentation have contributed to many successful collaborations, colleagues ranging from botanists to neuroscientists. Leonard’s contributions carry on as he focuses his interests toward supporting the local fermented beverage sector with BC BTAC. 

Leonard Lermer headshot

Janice Acio, Laboratory Technician, BC BTAC

Janice Acio is a Laboratory Technician who uses her knowledge of chemistry and instrumentation to perform analysis on fermented beverages at BC BTAC. Following her BSc in Chemical Engineering from University of Negros Occidental Recoletos, Philippines, Acio worked with well-established beverage companies such as Arterra Wines Canada and Coca Cola Bottlers Inc, to name a few. Her background in chemistry and 20 years of laboratory experience also allowed her to become certified as an Applied Science Technologist-Chemical in BC, where she also studied Environmental Engineering Technology at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). WSET Level-2-certified, Janice realized that winemaking is an exciting example of an applied science, leading her to enroll in the Winemaking Certificate Program at the University of California-Davis Institute. When not working with chemicals, you can find Janice enjoying her favourite Okanagan pastimes such as gardening, paddle-boarding or hitting the KVR trail with her dogs.

Janice Acio headshot

Dr. Sonja Lloyd, Laboratory Technician, BC BTAC

Sonja Lloyd recently joined the BC Beverage Technology Access Centre as Laboratory Technician where she handles all things microbiology. Sonja has worked with microbes in one form or another for the past twenty years. After receiving a BSc in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of British Columbia in 2002, she studied in the United States for several years where she earned a PhD in the Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology at Washington State University and conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. Sonja’s studies focused on bacterial diseases of animals, as well as foodborne and zoonotic diseases. Sonja returned to Canada in 2011, settling in the Okanagan where she worked as a technician in wine chemistry at Bench 1775 Winery and Burrowing Owl Estate Winery. Sonja is excited to combine her passion for microbiology and fermented beverages and foods in her current position with the BC BTAC.

Sonja Lloyd headshot

Savanna Maddock BSc, Laboratory Technician, BC BTAC

Savanna has six years of experience as a microbiologist within the beverage, cannabis, and agricultural industries. Her areas of expertise include microbiology, tissue culture, and horticulture, In addition, she has experience with molecular biology and bioinformatics. Savanna is currently completing her Master’s degree at UBCO in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Microbiology Lab Technician, Savanna Maddock

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