Cynthia and David Enns gave up their lucrative investment careers to follow a passion for making wine. They got their humble start in a friend’s Vancouver garage.

“I thought I would be the laughing stock of the neighbourhood if I spent $25,000 on equipment and didn’t come up with a good wine,” says David.

The Enns didn’t disappoint and after a stint in wine making school and a world wide search for the perfect place to start their winery, they settled in B.C.’s Okanagan Valley.

Nine years later they are turning a profit and their Laughing Stock wines are winning numerous awards.

Their humour and love of life are obvious when you talk to the couple. They are also a good team, with David making the wine and Cynthia watching the bottom line.

“I’m good with a spreadsheet but I’m also not afraid to get my hands dirty in the vineyard,” says Cynthia.

Although they call the winery their “vow of poverty” they would never go back to the corporate world.

“I’m never putting on a suit again,” David says with a laugh. “Besides, I’ve burnt all my ties.”