Sanela Sehovac believes in seizing the day and savouring every moment, just as the name of her wine tour company – Carpe Diem Tours – suggests.
With Carpe Diem, she aims to take her guests on immersive and unforgettable journeys that not only delight the senses but enrich the soul.
“My passion for wine and commitment to creating memorable experiences are at the heart of everything I do,” she says.
Sanela was born and raised in Montenegro, a small Balkan country that’s rich in history and culture. In 2001, amid the challenges that followed the war in the former Yugoslavia, she moved to Canada, arriving in Edmonton and ultimately making her way to Kelowna.
“The breathtaking beauty and vibrant wine industry here made it the perfect place to pursue my passion for wine and start anew,” she says.
Before she made the leap into entrepreneurship with Carpe Diem, Sanela’s background was in the service industry, where she honed her talent for creating memorable experiences for guests, working her way up to the role of director.
Founding Carpe Diem Tours was the perfect way for Sanela to share her love of wine – and the natural beauty of the Okanagan – with others. She loves getting to meet people from all walks of life, introducing them to their next favourite wines, and showing them the stunning vineyard, lake and mountain landscapes of the Okanagan Valley.
“There’s nothing quite like hearing, ‘This is the best part of my vacation!’ It’s incredibly rewarding and makes every day special,” she says.
Sanela credits her success to her passion, persistence and supportive family and friends. She’s shown unwavering resilience and determination while weathering life’s challenges, from arriving in Canada in 2001, with just one suitcase, to navigating the 2008 housing crisis and a 2012 divorce.
“Believing in what I do and constantly striving for improvement have been key to my journey. Every challenge has been a stepping stone, pushing me to grow and achieve more.”
When she’s not busy with Carpe Diem, Sanela loves hosting gatherings with loved ones, and cooking them delicious meals that blend her Montenegrin heritage with local flavours.
“Acts of service are my love language, and I adore spoiling my family and friends with great food and hospitality.”
She also enjoys hiking, travelling and spending time with her children, 20-year-old Gligor and 17-year-old Eva, and her fiancé Mark – and, of course, indulging in delicious wine.
“Right now, I’m obsessed with a crisp, refreshing Riesling called Between Friends from The Gallery Winery in West Kelowna. The wine is as delightful as the view from the winery – a panorama so stunning you’d never want to leave. I keep joking that they should adopt me!”
It’s clear that Sanela has an enduring passion for all the people, places and experiences that make Okanagan wine country so special, so it’s no surprise that she’s thriving in this field.
Envy: Whose shoes would you like to walk in?
Dreaming about someone else’s life? Not really my style – I’m too caught up in my own adventures. But if I must choose, I’d tip my hat to all the peacekeepers out there – the unsung heroes quietly making the world a better place. Their selflessness and dedication to creating a safer world is something I deeply admire and respect.
Gluttony: What is the food you could eat over and over again?
Oh, where to start? Montenegrin cuisine holds a special place in my heart. From the rich, creamy flavours of Sjenicki cheese to the smoky delight of Njeguški pršut and the spicy, tangy kick of ajvar, these delicacies are something I could feast on every day and never tire of. Each bite transports me back to my roots, and I cherish every flavour.
Greed: You’re given $1 million that you have to spend selfishly. What would you spend it on?
Give me a million dollars and tell me to be selfish? Easy! I’d spend it travelling the globe. There’s so much to see, so many cultures to experience and so many wines to taste. From the bustling markets of Marrakech to the serene vineyards of Tuscany, I’d immerse myself in the wonders of the world. Anyone who knows me will tell you that $1 million might not even be enough!
Wrath: Pet peeves?
If there’s one thing that gets my blood boiling, it’s injustice and bullying. Seeing people being treated unfairly or pushed around just makes me furious. Everyone deserves respect and a fair shot in life, and I believe in standing up against these wrongs whenever possible.
Sloth: Where would you spend a long time doing nothing?
Picture this: a serene beach in Montenegro, a gentle breeze rustling the leaves, a hammock swaying between two trees and the soothing sound of waves lapping the shore. Add a good book, and you’ve got my idea of paradise. It’s where I could happily spend an eternity doing absolutely nothing, just soaking in the beauty and tranquility.
Pride: What is the one thing you’re secretly proud of?
My resilience and ability to bounce back. No matter what life throws at me, I have this uncanny ability to pick myself up and start over. It’s a theme I’m exploring in my upcoming book, Let’s Not Sugar Coat It. I have a chapter which I hope will inspire others to embrace their own strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
Lust: What makes your heart beat faster?
My heart races for two things: my family, who are my everything, and then the thrill of discovering a fantastic new vineyard or an extraordinary wine. There’s a kind of magic in that first sip, an excitement that never fades, as it opens a world of flavours and possibilities.
This feature is from the summer 2024 edition of Boulevard Okanagan.