Gabe Cipes makes and sources the nine biodynamic preparations applied to Summerhill Vineyard and has successfully led the transition to Demeter Certified biodynamic status. He is also diversifying the farm with food forests and edible landscaping, conducting experiments based on Permaculture principles to increase biodiversity within the vineyard system and grow complimentary crops between the vineyard rows. Gabe has completed courses in Permaculture Design Certificate at Selkirk College and Natural Earth Building at the Cob Cottage Company with Ianto Evans, and has completed the vineyard management courses and viticulture certificate at Okanagan College Penticton.
Gabe is inspired by the ideas and knowledge associated with creating self-sustaining food producing ecosystems and sees himself planning and planting food forests and working with ecological communities for as long as he is able.
Aside from his work on the farm, Gabe is a consultant, visual artist, public speaker, musician and festival producer.