Winemakers
Katie Dickieson
Growing up on a farm instilled in Katie an appreciation for the land, and she discovered that winemaking perfectly combined her passions for science and “right brain” creativity. She started with us in 2006, taking a detour to work with wineries in BC, New Zealand, and France before returning in 2012. She says that the winery being named Canadian Winery of the Year in 2014 and Ontario Winery of the Year in 2017 and 2018 speaks to the strength of her entire team at Peller Estates. “I can’t think of a place I’d rather be,” she says.“I was born and raised on a farm and always knew I wanted to work in the industry.”
Shop Katie's Favourites
Ashlea George
From lab to Cab! Ashlea couldn’t be more proud of what she now creates for some of our most beloved brands; Black Cellar, XOXO and No Boats on Sunday. She studied microbiology at the University of Guelph and joined our team in the lab in 2006. She fell in love with the wine industry and her desire for a more dynamic role led her to trading in the petri dishes for wine casks. Now in her 13th year of winemaking, she says having her work enjoyed by so many people is her favourite part of the job, not to mention her parents’ greatest source of pride. Whether it’s a milestone celebration or casual evening in, being part of people’s lives, “is a very surreal experience.”
Shop Ashlea's Favourites
Emma Garner
Emma is one of Canada’s most accomplished and meticulous winemakers. She’s spent her career living and breathing every nuance of the Niagara region, starting with Brock University’s Oenology and Viticulture program. Her deep knowledge of our vineyards and her signature fermentation methods led to Thirty Bench becoming the most awarded winery in Canada and the first Canadian winery to win Decanter Magazine’s coveted Best in Show distinction. In 2015, Emma was awarded the coveted Winemaker of the Year at the Ontario Wine Awards. In expressing a vineyards voice through winemaking she has certainly found her own.
Shop Emma's Favourites
Laura Milukow
Women were the first brewers in history, and so Laura decided her calling was to be among the kettles and hops. Laura has long been a lover of beer and experimenting with flavours. While initially working in the forestry industry out west, she decided to translate her passion for home brewing into a career. Laura graduated from the Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program at Niagara College and joined the Gretzky team in 2020. She loves the versatile yet simple nature of brewing. “Beer is only 4 ingredients,” she says. “Changing any one of them gives you a completely different product”. Her strong work ethic is our reward in the craft beers she creates for Wayne Gretzky Estates.
Shop Laura's Brews