Our Team
Derek Barnett - Executive Winemaker
Derek was winemaker and partner at Lailey Vineyard, with wines found on the best wine lists. He was named “Winemaker of the Year” by The Ontario Wine Awards. The first to use Canadian oak barrels, he favours traditional methods and his highly-trained palate. In 2015, Derek became Winemaker at Karlo and was named “Wine Person of the Year” by the National Capital Sommelier Guild.
Spencer Mayer - Winemaker
In 2017, Karlo hired Spencer Mayer for his experience in the fine food and beverage industry and in harvests with several wineries. Spencer previously worked with Benjamin Bridge in Nova Scotia. He also worked at Ravine Vineyard I St. David’s, Naiagra, Calamus Winery in Jordan, Niagara and Forty Creek Distillery. This experience was augmented by top standing at Niagara College in their highly-regarded school of Winery & Viticulture. Spencer set out to practice under Derek Barnett, and to do so with Prince Edward County grapes.
Saxe Brickenden - Partner, COO, CFO
Saxe is a business-builder. He founded a half-dozen companies in the
consumer electronics industry, and was awarded “The Lifetime Achievement
Award” in 2014 as “…an individual who has made exceptional contributions to the consumer audio video industry in Canada." After meeting Sherry, Saxe stepped down from a company he founded over forty years ago to turn his focus onto Karlo Estates. He was an early member of The Society of Wine Explorers, a charter member of the Opimian Society and holds a certificate from The Italian Wine Academy.
Sandra Young - Comptroller
Before joining Karlo in 2015, Sandra served as an administration clerk for 13 years with the Canadian Forces and was awarded 2 Commander’s Commendations and the Canadian Decoration Medal and a “Deserving Serviceman” flight around the world. After 9 years as a business owner, Sandra moved and graduated from the Accounting Program at Loyalist College in 2014 with honors, making the Dean’s List with Distinction. Her laugh fills the barn.
Rick Juscenko – Vigneron
Rick is original County stock with 19 years in vineyards, so he knows his stuff. Rick believes in an honest day’s work and connects us with local resources and practical, down home solutions. He’s also a clean freak which keeps our vineyards productive. When off season, Rick travels to Muskoka, the East Coast and Turks & Caicos. As a big animal lover, he fits right in.
Sherry Karlo - Co-Founder/Owner
Sherry founded Karlo Estates with her late husband, winemaker and wine
judge, Richard Karlo. They built an award-winning winery which earned international accolades and widespread recognition. As the Vintner,
Sherry curates the portfolio, applying her expertise to package and market
the wine. She is a multi-award-winning Entrepreneur with 30 years of experience
as a business owner.
Little Bug - Queen of Tastings
Every year, Little Bug hosts her own photography competition. If you take a picture of her and post it on social media with the hashtag #LittleBugPEC, on New Year’s Eve the team votes for the best Little Bug picture so one lucky winner can get their pick of our “Rare Finds” bin, back vintage wines worth between $79.00 and $500 a bottle. Luckily for all of us, she prefers the company of humans to cats so most days you’ll find her welcoming guests in our Wine Lounge.