Women of Beer: Three Lakes Brewing

Three Lakes Brewing, which opened August 2023 in Kelowna, was founded by three local women: Melanie Raby, daughter Tara, and Cathy van Kesteren, a 20-plus year friend and hiking buddy of Melanie’s.

Their strong effort to support the local community includes partnering with bakery next door Two Donkeys  for some great food options, as well as working with a new hop farm just north of Kamloops for many of their hops.

The brewery is tucked away in an industrial area right across the highway from the Kelowna airport. It’s a bit hard to find but worth the effort. I had the opportunity to meet Melanie and Cathy last fall and also partake in tasty pizza from Two Donkeys. Nothing like a tasting flight of beer and some good pizza!

The Women of Beer Questionnaire: Three Lakes Brewing

NAMES & POSITIONS

Melanie Raby: Owner/Brewer
Cathy van Kesteren: Owner/Brewer
Tara Raby: Head Brewer 

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BEGIN A CAREER IN THE INDUSTRY?

The love of craft beer, passion for the community, and knowledge of the industry. 

WHAT WERE YOU DOING BEFORE YOU GOT INTO THE BEER INDUSTRY?

Melanie: In office management for 20 years. During seven of those years: also worked at a winery-tasting room, managed events and the vineyard, and even assisted in bottling. 

Cathy: In the restaurant/hospitality industry for 20 years.

Tara: In the  beer and winemaking industry for the past 6 years, with experience in Australia. Was also an assistant winemaker in Lake Country, Okanagan. Wanted to challenge myself a bit more so I started taking business marketing. Before opening Three Lakes, I shadowed brewer Josh Wyatt at Kelowna Brewing Company. He was impressed and decided to hire her on, so I worked with him for a while and enjoyed that.

WHAT KIND OF TRAINING/SCHOOLING DO YOU HAVE? HAVE YOU TAKEN ANY ADDITION COURSES TO SUPPORT YOUR ROLE? 

Mel & Cathy: 20 years of hands-on experience in the above industries were stepping stones to get to where we are today. We are self-taught homebrewers who happen to love cooking and creating recipes.

Tara completed the Winery Assistant Certification from Okanagan College and also achieved  WSET Level 2. She is currently studying business marketing. 

DID YOU HAVE ANY OBSTACLES AS A WOMAN WHILE GETTING YOUR BREWERY OPEN? 

Yes, as we knew there would be. We did not let that stop us from pursuing our dream. 

WAS ANYTHING CREATED IN YOUR BREWERY WITH A WOMAN’S POINT OF VIEW? OR FOR FEMALE CONSUMERS? 

We feel like all of our beer is created with a woman’s point of view because we have kept our recipes very traditional. 

WHAT’S UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR BEER? IS YOUR BEER CONNECTED TO THE COMMUNITY? 

What is unique about our beers is our traditional styles but also our labels. The fact that they are personal photos of us and the Okanagan. An example of this is the Hike Pilsner, named after the hike that we (Mel and Cathy) were on when they decided to make a go of opening a brewery

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CRAFT BEER? 

Mel:Tree Brewing Vertical Winter Ale
Cathy:Tree Brewing Thirsty Beaver Amber Ale
Tara: Tree Brewing Hophead IPA

…and believe it or not, these were all at different times.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE BEER AT THE BREWERY?

Cathy: Hook, Line and Sinker. It is such an easy-drinking IPA and it tastes like more! 

Mel: Lake Minded Lager for its old-school, full-bodied characteristics. Perfect for a campfire. 

Tara: Berry Wheaty Ale because it is fruity and refreshing. Perfect all year round!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE BEER OUTSIDE OF THE BREWERY? 

Cathy: Lakesider Brewing (Kelowna) Raspberry Sour
Mel: Okanagan Springs 1516
Tara: Twin Sails (Port Moody) Dat Juice Pale Ale

 DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE FEMALE IN THE INDUSTRY AND WHY?

We’ve had the privilege of chatting with co-owner Theresa Cashen from Wild Ambition (Kelowna) and Darla Ariss from Copper Brewing (also Kelowna) throughout our brewery journey. They have given us such great advice and we appreciate all their help. Definitely a couple of great ladies!

ANY ADVICE FOR OTHER WOMEN IN (OR WANTING TO GET INTO) THE INDUSTRY? 

Don’t give up!! Try every avenue and if you want it bad enough, you will achieve your goal. It may sound cliche but it’s true! 

BIGGEST SUCCESS TO DATE? 

The great feedback, brewing community support, and amazing customers/friends that we continue to meet along the way. 

GOALS FOR THE FUTURE- FOR YOU AND/OR FOR THE BREWERY?

Continue to support locals, make great craft beer, and expand in the Okanagan!

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Three Lakes Brewing
Suite #7, 2030 Matrix Crescent
Kelowna, BC V1V 0G5
Tel. 250-808-5430 or 250-859-0273

www.threelakesbrewing.com