Our Team

Get to know our team here at River Stone!

Ted Kane, Founder and Director of Wine & Vineyard Operations

Lorraine Kane, Owner and Consumer

Austin Hodinsky, Winemaker & Vineyard Manager

Noelle Starzynski, General Manager

Allison Perran, Tasting Room Supervisor

Paula Cooper, Administration and Customer Relations

Kirsten Thorne, Marketing and Events Coordinator

River Stone Winery Dogs, The Welcome Waggin'

Ted Kane, Founder and Director of Wine & Vineyard Operations

Ted Kane is the Founder & Director of Wine & Vineyard Operations at River Stone Estate Winery and has been passionate about fermentation since his teens — when he was more interested in making wine than sneaking it. With a naturally technical mindset and deep curiosity, Ted quickly discovered that exceptional wine begins in the vineyard, which led him to Oliver, BC, Canada’s sunniest wine region.

He enrolled in the Viticulture program at OUC to understand grape growing from the ground up, studying through the winters while planning his own vineyard with his family and planting in the spring. That hands-on foundation continues to shape his approach today.

Ted’s winemaking philosophy is simple and steadfast: Mother Nature runs the show. His wines reflect a balance of science, patience, and passion, guided by respect for the land and the character each vintage brings.

Ted Kane can be contacted at ted@riverstoneestatewinery.ca.

Lorraine Kane, Owner and Consumer

Lorraine Kane is Co-Owner and Chief Consumer at River Stone Estate Winery, as well as Ted’s biggest supporter and longtime creative partner behind the scenes. A constant source of encouragement, perspective, and positive energy, Lorraine has been a steady force in the winery’s journey from vineyard dream to established estate.

She is also the mastermind behind the River Stone gardens, bringing beauty, warmth, and personality to the property through thoughtful design and hands-on care. Her creative touch is reflected in the welcoming atmosphere guests experience throughout the grounds.

Outside the winery, Lorraine is a dedicated physician with a family practice in Osoyoos, where she is known for her commitment to community care. Whether in medicine, gardening, or winery life, she brings heart, creativity, and unwavering support to everything she does.

Austin Hodinsky, Winemaker & Vineyard Manager

Austin Hodinsky is the Winemaker & Vineyard Manager at River Stone Estate Winery. Originally from Coldstream, Alberta, he joined the estate in 2020 and became an apprentice to founder Ted Kane, growing into a key contributor across all aspects of production. In 2025 he completed both the Oenology and Viticulture certificates from Washington State University.

Austin has helped guide the winery through a range of vintages (from extreme heat and cold events to standout harvest years) contributing to the development of River Stone’s award-winning wines. Austin brings a deep respect for estate-driven wines, and continuing Ted’s iconic winemaking style of fresh, aromatic whites and terroir-driven, old-world style reds.

Austin Hodinsky can be contacted at austin@riverstoneestatewinery.ca.

Noelle Starzynski, General Manager

Noelle Starzynski is the General Manager at River Stone Estate Winery, where she leads day-to-day operations and helps guide the direction and growth of the small but mighty estate. She joined the winery in 2024, drawn to its terroir-driven portfolio and commitment to authentic, site-expressive wines.

With more than 16 years in the wine industry, Noelle’s background spans tasting room leadership, sales, operations, and consulting. She brings a blend of strategic focus and creative drive, aligning systems, brand, and guest experience to keep the winery both intentional and memorable. She believes wine is personal, story-rich, and best when shared.

She’s passionate about South Okanagan living and outside of work she can often be found hiking with her dog, hosting dinner parties, or puttering around her garden.

Noelle Starzynski can be contacted at noelle@riverstoneestatewinery.ca.

Allison Perran, Tasting Room Supervisor

Allison joined the team at River Stone Estate Winery in 2023, bringing her signature sparkle (and a lifetime of wine and hospitality experience) with her. After moving to the South Okanagan in 2011 for the sunshine and wine, she built a strong career across both winery and restaurant hospitality in the valley, developing a reputation for warm, high-energy guest service and memorable experiences.

A true people-person with a love of great food and even better company, Ali thrives on connection. Whether she’s guiding guests through a tasting, hosting an impromptu backyard wine night, or planning a lively dinner party, she brings natural warmth, humour, and effortless charm to the table.

As Tasting Room Supervisor, Ali is a cornerstone of the River Stone guest experience: setting the tone, leading the floor, and making every visit feel personal. Outside the winery, you’ll find her camping, fishing, traveling, and raising a glass with friends.

Allison Perran can be contacted at allison@riverstoneestatewinery.ca.

Paula Cooper, Administration and Customer Relations

Paula joined the team at River Stone Estate Winery in 2025, bringing more than two decades of hands-on experience across cellar, production, and winemaking operations. Raised in Penticton, she began her career studying horticulture before discovering her path in wine through the Winery Assistant Program at Okanagan College.

Over the past 20 years, Paula has built a well-rounded and highly respected career with leading Okanagan producers including Tinhorn Creek Vineyards, C.C. Jentsch Cellars, and Lakeside Cellars, and has worked alongside noted winemakers. These experiences shaped her reputation for precision, efficiency, and exceptional organization throughout all stages of winery operations.

At River Stone, Paula brings deep technical knowledge, a systems-minded approach, and a passion for creating structure and flow behind the scenes. Just as importantly, she is known for her warm, kind nature and a sense of humour. Outside the winery, Paula enjoys spending time with her family and friends, especially when it involves good food, great conversation, and a shared bottle at the table.

Paula Cooper can be contacted at paula@riverstoneestatewinery.ca.

Kirsten Thorne, Marketing and Events Coordinator

Kirsten has been a key part of the team at River Stone Estate Winery since 2018, bringing a powerhouse blend of creativity and organization to the winery’s events and guest experience. Born and raised in Oliver, she pairs a decade of hospitality experience with a strong foundation in business administration.

As Marketing & Events Coordinator, Kirsten leads winery communications, and coordinates on-site and off-site events that keep wine lovers connected to everything happening at River Stone. From planning to execution, she keeps even the busiest seasons running smoothly with calm precision.

Outside the winery, Kirsten channels her creativity into hands-on projects like wreath making and baking, and enjoys camping and boating with her husband, two kids, and newest member of their family, Daisy (our newest winery dog).

Kirsten Thorne can be contacted at kirsten@riverstoneestatewinery.ca.

River Stone Winery Dogs, The Welcome Waggin'

Piper 1 (Austin), Jasper & Cody (Ted & Lorraine), Piper 2 (Noelle), and Daisy (Kirsten) make our pack of winery dogs you’ll often see in our tasting garden, office, cellar, or on vineyard duty. Always eager to great guests, clean up any dropped Grab & Graze snacks, and accept belly scratches – this crew works overtime!