The senior tasting hostess at 8th Generation Vineyard in Summerland has received a provincial award for customer service.
Yolanta Malkovska was awarded the Customer Service Award from Destination B.C. and the Tourism Industry Association of B.C.
“She is not just great with customers, she is also highly respected by her teammates for her detailed knowledge and working attitude,” said winery owner Stefanie Schales. “She always helps out when needed and is a vital person to train new team members.”
The award was presented in Victoria earlier this month. This is the first time someone from the Okanagan has received this award, Schales said.
Past recipients have included a staff member at the Vancouver Aquarium and volunteers with the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
Malkovska has been part of the winery since it began in 2007.
Schales said Malkovska is a valued and knowledgeable member of the winery’s team.
“We take a lot of pride in taking time with our customers,” Schales said. She added that Malkovska is able to describe the wines to all customers from first-time wine tasters to sophisticated wine connoisseurs.
Malkovska said it is important to understand the customer’s wine knowledge when speaking with them.
“Your customers are like guests in your house,” she said.
In addition to describing the wines, Malkovska also helps to recommend other tourist attractions and tourism-related services to the customers. “We’re ambassadors for the region.”
Schales said the recognition was unexpected, since there are many examples of outstanding customer service throughout the province.
“Just to be nominated is already an honour,” Schales said. “To be chosen as a winner is amazing.”
Malkovska said the award speaks to the quality of the entire winery, not just to her work within the wine shop.
The annual tourism awards recognize excellence in the tourism industry. According to Destination B.C., the province’s tourism industry generates approximately $15.7 billion in revenue.