34 - Sunday, May 10, 1992 - North Shore News A EE HE WAS born in North Vancouver but grew up in Kelowna, so it seems oniy fitting that Ian Tostenson should be the president of Calona Wines, which has its head office in Vancouver but its popular winery in the Okanagan city. By Surj Rattan News Reporter But now the 36-year-old Tostenson, who barely looks old enough to legally drink, let alone be the president of a well-known winery, has returned to his roots and taken up residence back in North Vancouver. And while Calona Wines’ Van- couver head office is stocked with an endless supply of wines and spirits, Tostenson seems content with sipping on a large cup of Starbuck’s coffee during a recent interview. Tostenson develops an excited look on his face as he extols the virtues of Calona Wines. “I love this business so much,’’ says Tostenson. He started at Calona Wines in the sales department and has been president of the company since last September. Tostenson says he had very little time to make up his mind about the executive position the day his telephone rang and the offer was made. “In September the company made a change, and they felt 1 could lead. But they said I had to decide right then if I wanted the job,’’ Tostenson says. ‘‘My goal was to one day own the company. We got through the transition period only because we have a great team of people. HIGH PROFILES © NAME: fan Tostenson © AGE: 36 @ OCCUPATION: Calona Wines @ RESIDENCE: North Van- couver . @ BORN: North Vancouver e FAMILY: Wife Cathy, Jordan and Ryan President, sons “‘There’s a tradition of success here that has followed us.”’ And the success of Calona Wines has not suffered since Tostenson took over. The winery is selling 900,000 cases of wine a year and will post a profit this year of just over $1.3 million. “What we need to do now is to get down to the core business and start to market the product. We sell principally in western Canada although we are doing some business in Ontario. “We're the number one supplier of wine in B.C., the number two in Alberta and number three in Saskatchewan. One out of every four bottles of domestic wine produced in Canada is our pro- duct,’ says Tostenson. - The company has about 150 employees. Before entering the wine business, Tostenson worked for the Bank of Montreal after having graduated from the University of B.C. in 1978. The Calona Winery was found- ed in 1932 by former B.C. premier W.A.C. Bennett, Giuseppe Ghezzi and “Cap” Pasquale Capozzi. Tostenson says the goals set by the trio are still at the forefront of the company’s business today and will continue to guide Caiona Wines in the future. The quality of the company’s wines has been recognized with over 2,000 awards of excellence. French classes offered for beginner students FOR SUMMER travellers or those wanting to get a start on learning a new language, North Shore Continuing Education will be offering a beginner conversation French class on six Thursday evenings, May 21 to June 25, at the Lucas Cen- tre, 2132 Hamilton Ave. in North Vancouver. No French language experi- ence is necessary and emphasis will be ‘on speaking phrases and learning vocabulary. The in- structor, Farah Mostowfy, has studied French in Paris and likes to make her class a fun learning experience. For registration and more information call 986-8888. © ESTATE SILVER ¢ European 800 fine silver Sauce Boat on Tray J Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10am to Spm f Always purchasing * Consignment welcome 1730 MARINE DR., WEST VANCOUVER 926-7710 ing Calona NV’s Ian Tostenson guides the glory of the Oakanagan grape | NEWS photo bike Wakefield IAN TOSTENSON, president of Cafona Wines, says his goal is to one day own the company. Tan Tostenson: In his own words. Is the wine and spirits business very competitive?: ‘The wine market is extremely competitive. We market wine in every category. In every market we tend to be the market leader.’’ Do you think the latest round of provincial taxes applied to alcohol sales will have an effect on the sale of wine and other alcohol products?: “‘It's a little early to tell. We believe the taxation with beer, wine and spirits has reached a peak. “*The taxation issue in this in- dustry is absolutely astounding. From our price on wine to the customer it’s a 100% mark-up. The mark-up on spirits is 50%. We know it’s a_ price-sensitive issue.”’ Handcrafted Grandfather May 11 to May 18 CAPILANO What is a routine day like for you here?: ‘‘I spend a lot of time with the staff. I practise management by being involved. 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