MIKE & JANET AZHADI
Proprietors
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Mike’s experience spans over 40 years in business, engineering, and manufacturing. During this period Mike has worked with the largest global corporations in hospitality industries. Specifically, he worked in restaurants and manufacturing environments in worldwide executive leadership and ownership capacities. He strives to lead and work with a great team and take Ex Nihilo to an even higher level in enhancing and differentiating the brand.
Janet has worked in the Health Care Industry as a registered nurse, leader and educator for over 30 years. She is passionate about improving people’s lives and focuses her time on her family as well as local and international philanthropy causes.
As passionate wine lovers with a desire to bring people together, Mike and Janet became principal owners of Ex Nihilo in 2018 and in 2023 they became sole proprietors of Ex Nihilo.
With two other wineries currently under development, Mike and Janet are excited about building exceptional wine experiences in the Okanagan.
JIM FAULKNER
Winemaker
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Jim Faulkner is an integral part of the Ex Nihilo team crafting distinct and exceptional wines. His tenure as Ex Nihilo Winemaker began in 2009 and spanned until the spring of 2015, resuming in the spring of 2020. Jim oversees all winemaking operations of the Azhadi Group, ensuring the development and production of exceptional wines.
Jim brings a wealth of experience from several other BC wineries, including Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery, Church & State Winery, Summerhill Pyramid Winery, and CedarCreek Estate Winery. His expertise contributes significantly to Ex Nihilo’s winemaking legacy.
For Jim, the charm of Ex Nihilo lies in the people, both staff and guests, and the captivating vineyard space. He finds immense satisfaction in going to work, attributing it to the positive atmosphere.
Outside the winery, Jim’s hobbies align with his passion for the Okanagan lifestyle – travel and, naturally, wine. When asked about his favourite EXN vintages, Jim finds it challenging to choose, appreciating something unique from every vintage.
ANWAR SARDER
Vineyard Manager
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Anwar Sarder is our longest serving team member! In 2023, as a valued contributor to the Ex Nihilo team, Anwar was awarded the first ever Ex Nihilo Vineyards 15 Year Service Award.
As Vineyard Manager, Anwar has primary responsibilities for all vineyard operations and the vineyard team.
Anwar takes great pride in the vineyards and lands of Ex Nihilo. He loves to nurture and appreciate the vineyards and their harvest, and feel the connection with them and nature.
Anwar also is key contributor in the cellar and production areas at Ex Nihilo. When not in the splendour of the vineyard, Anwar is most passionate about his time spent with his family. Anwar moved to Canada from Bangladesh in 2007 and he became a proud Canadian Citizen in 2022.
SARAH LANNIN
Manager, Wine Experience Operations
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Sarah Lannin rejoined the Ex Nihilo team in 2023 as Manager, Wine Experience Operations, following her maternity leave. Sarah previously served as the Ex Nihilo Wine Club Manager in 2018 and 2019. Sarah’s responsibilities include guiding the team to provide exceptional guest experiences at Ex Nihilo and off-site events, and overseeing operational aspects of Ex Nihilo’s direct-to-consumer sales channels. Sarah holds a WSET level 2 certification.
With a diverse professional and education background, prior to joining Ex Nihilo, Sarah spent seven years in management roles at Lakehead University Athletics.
Sarah’s favourite part of working at Ex Nihilo is helping people discover their new favorite wine and collaborating with the team. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time in nature with her family, watching her daughters participate in various activities, and sharing good times with friends over a delicious bottle of wine.
Sarah is a perennial fan of the Reserve Privata, and the 2015 Naramata Night holds a special place among her all-time favourites.
LIZ COSBY
Hospitality Manager, Bistro & Events
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Liz Cosby joined Ex Nihilo in 2021 as a Server in the Chaos Bistro. In 2023, she was promoted to Hospitality Lead Coordinator, where she took on responsibility for coordinating all front-of-house operations in the Chaos Bistro as well as overseeing event coordination. In 2025, Liz was promoted to Hospitality Manager, Bistro and Events, recognizing her continued leadership and dedication to delivering exceptional guest experiences.
With a professional background in all aspects of hospitality, Liz’s expertise shines through in her role at Ex Nihilo. Liz ensures guests have a memorable and enjoyable experience, tapping into her professional expertise and genuine passion, embodying the essence of hospitality that has defined her entire career. Her favorite part of the job is the incredible camaraderie with her coworkers, the warmth of the guests, and the unbeatable view from her workspace.
Beyond the winery, Liz’s interests span various activities, including traveling, paddleboarding, swimming, yoga, and indulging in a good book. Quality time with friends is also a cherished pastime for Liz.
Liz holds a special appreciation for the 2019 Privata Red, the 2021 Privata Chardonnay, and the 2019 Petit Verdot among her favorite EXN vintages.
JACKIE LEONE
Hospitality Manager, Wine Experience & Retail
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Jackie Leone first joined Ex Nihilo during the summer of 2020 and returned seasonally in 2021 and 2022 as a Tasting Associate. After completing her Bachelor’s degree, she transitioned into a full-time role and was promoted to Tasting Room Shift Lead in 2022. In 2023, she advanced to Coordinator of Guest Experience, where she played a key role in supervising tasting room operations and fostering strong guest and member relationships to ensure exceptional service delivery. In 2025, Jackie was promoted to Hospitality Manager, Wine Experience and Retail, a role that reflects her leadership, expertise, and commitment to enhancing the overall guest journey. Jackie also holds her WSET Level 2 Certification.
Her favourite part of the job is sharing her passion for wine with others and helping everyone find a new favourite.
Outside of Ex Nihilo you can find Jackie enjoying time outside, hanging out with her family and friends, or playing recreational sports.
Jackie holds a fondness for the 2020 Pinot Noir Reserve.
