Plenty of Fish founder building huge winery in Vernon

Photo: Facebook

It is believed Plenty of Fish founder Markus Frind is behind a development above Bella Vista Road in Vernon.

It would seem an Internet guru is behind a large development in Vernon.

While no one from the city will confirm who is building a winery above Bella Vista Road, it is believed Markus Frind is the man behind the project.

Frind is the founder of the online dating site Plenty of Fish, which he sold for a staggering $575 million.

Few details about the development have been made public, but on Aug. 3 Frind posted on his Facebook page: Expanded my Vernon ranch to 820 acres. Soon to be vineyards from peak of the mountain to the rise golf course.

Social media has been buzzing about the work being done on the hillside.

The development was discussed by city council and while soil-removal permits have been issued, a building permit has not.

This is not Frind's first Okanagan Venture.

On Dec. 12 2018, Frind posted: “Just got a secondary address this week, Frind estate winery is going to be at 3725 Boucherie road West Kelowna. The property is 13 acres waterfront and was in the Bennet family for 50+ years. The 2 Bennets served as premier of BC for 31 years.”

On Aug. 9 2019, he posted: “Finally got approval from the LDB for Frind Winery today, now its just a matter of some paper work/bureaucracy and we can start selling wine by next week both online and out of of the winery location hopefully!”

Then on Aug. 20 2019, he announced “Frind Estate Winery opens tomorrow for the first time at 10AM at 3725 Boucherie Rd, West Kelowna.”