Our Team

People are the best part about what we do. From the visitors who come back to see us year after year, to the staff that become part of our harvest family. Here are just a few of the faces that might greet you when you come for a visit.

	Murray Johnston Proprietor/Farmer Murray's father, Orville, began his cranberry dream in 1950 when he bought land in Bala, Muskoka and began clearing it. Murray was born on the farm and has spent his life continuing his father's legacy of growing quality fruit using sustainable, environmentally conscious practices. Murray studied agriculture at University of Guelph and is passionate about growing excellent fruit. Today, along with his wife Wendy, he manages the family business and, with the help of his four sons, continues to bring in the harvest every autumn.
	Wendy Hogarth Proprietor/Sommelier Wendy has a diverse background starting at University of Waterloo studying recreation and tourism. This background helped her grow the farm into a tourist destination. She's fascinated by cranberries and their cultivation, and her studies in education at University of Toronto and writing at Humber help her tell visitors about this unique form of agriculture. Sommelier training with the International Sommelier Guild helped her start Muskoka Lakes Winery. Finally, add wife of 30 years to farmer, Murray, and mother of four boys.
	Matt French Winemaker Matt's family has a long history with the Johnstons, and with farming. Matt grew up working in his family's orchard and spent the cranberry harvest season at Johnston's Cranberry Marsh helping with his granparents' apple stand.  His interest in science and nature lead him a degree in Science from Queen's University, and several years of post-graduate study in Australia.  After returning to Canada with a renewed appreciation for our distinctive heritage, he turned his skills towards developing local, artisanal wine.  This year will be his third award-winning vintage, and his infectious passion for wine and local food is leading the way in Ontario craft wine.
	Lesley Commandant Customer Service/Reception Lesley's is the friendly voice at the end of the phone. She takes orders, answers questions and even greets you in the store! Lesley is the glue that holds us all together. Her LCBO background has helped her with the winery side of things, and she's quickly learning everything there is to know about cranberries!
	Trooper Tour Guide Trooper is a 3 year old Golden Retriever who loves greeting visitors! Let him take you on a tour of the farm. Along the way, he will identify points of local interest and try to make your visit an enjoyable one.