O'Rourke Peak Cellars was founded by Dennis O'Rourke. Dennis founded Sureway Construction Group Ltd. in 1973. Since then, Dennis has worked relentlessly to foster a competitive edge for Sureway by incorporating the latest, largest, and most productive construction equipment in the industry. From these modest beginnings in water and sewer construction, Sureway now employs more than 900 people and has the largest fleet of earthmoving, water, and sewer equipment of its type in Western Canada.

Dennis and his wife Elizabeth are pleased to make a home in Edmonton, AB where they give back to the community by donating to numerous organizations including Kids with Cancer, Notre Dame College, the Alberta Heart Institute, the University Hospital Foundation, STARS, Edmonton Opera, NAIT, and many more. Dennis has also been a long-time supporter of Junior Achievement and was deeply honoured to be named a JA Laureate in 2008 in recognition of his ongoing contributions to youth business education.

Since then, Dennis worked relentlessly to foster a competitive edge for Sureway by incorporating the latest, largest, and most productive construction equipment in the industry. From these modest beginnings in water and sewer construction, Sureway now employs more than 900 people and has the largest fleet of earthmoving, water, and sewer equipment of its type in Western Canada.

The winery is located in Okanagan;s Lake Country just north of Kelowna. The wine portfolio is reasonably extensive, well-made and not too expensive. Guests are encouraged to explore the 1/2 acres of garden and wander among the Pinot Gris vineyard.

 The Bistro offers 80 scenic seats on the vineyard-side patio with breathtaking views of surrounding orchards, rolling mountains and Okanagan Lake

Nikki  Callaway 

Canadian by birth, Nikki spent nearly a decade living in Dubai , UAE before returning to Canada for her formal education.  She successfully completed her Bachelor's in Biology at the University of Victoria in 2004, then headed to Europe to learn winemaking from the ground up.  Her winemaking career began with the 2004 vintage in the Beaujolais (Château La Louvière) and Bordeaux (Château Palmer) regions of France and culminated when she graduated with a Diplôme National d'Oœnologue (DNO) from the Université Bordeaux II in 2007.  Upon her return to Canada in 2009 she worked as a winemaker for Mission Hill Family Estate.

While at Mission Hill Nikki produced an award winning Pinot Noir. the Martin's Lane Pinot Noir was named best of class by Decanter Awards

In Aug 2013 she became winemaker at Quails Gate. She joined Peak Cellars in Nikki joined the team in June 2019.

Stephanie Stanley

A true Okanagan native, Stephanie Stanley was born and raised in the Okanagan Valley and is well-experienced with all grape varieties in the region. She received a Bachelor of Science with Honours from Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture program in 2003 where she was also awarded the President’s Medal. From 2003 to 2015 Stephanie was mentored by esteemed winemaker, by esteemed winemaker, Howard Soon, at Sandhill Wines. During that time, she also worked as the lead winemaker for Wayne Gretzky Okanagan when it launched in British Columbia, as well as lead winemaker for Peller Estates Okanagan. 

Stephanie left Andrew Peller in 2015 to propel her career by working two vintages each year for the next four years, dividing her time evenly between New Zealand (at Wither Hills, Marlborough) and the Okanagan. During her 2016 visit back to the Okanagan, she installed and commissioned the new Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards winery; in 2017 & 2018, she worked at Peak Cellars. Stephanie has been leading the winemaking at Peak Cellars since August 2019.  Her expertise and professionalism are integral to the winemaking team.

Heather Courtney -O'Rourke Family Estate General Manager 

Heather joined the team in June 2019 and brought with her nearly two decades of experience from the hospitality industry. Originally from Powell River, Heather lived in the Lower Mainland for 15 years before relocating to the Okanagan Valley with her husband Don and children in 2012.  Her experience in the Lower Mainland includes six years with the Sylvia Hotel, three years with the Sequoia Company of Restaurants, and five years with Monk McQueen’s Fresh Seafood and Oyster Bar. 
 
Heather is known for her six-year leadership role at Cedar Creek Estate Winery in Kelowna where she developed innovative and unique guest experiences and the winery’s celebrated tasting, touring, and event programs. 

Since Courtney joined the O’Rourke winery in her new role in 2019, she’s helped to grow the business to nearly 60 employees during peak season. Courtney is also helping to open a second 100-acre winery under the O’Rourke name at Carr's Landing in Lake Country,
 
Heather holds her WSET level 2 Diploma and is pursuing her education and passion for wine.

“You also have to be passionate about your work. I love taking care of guests and taking care of my staff.”

Celia Weston - CVineyard Gardener

There's no greater joy than to share the fruits of our labour with others. Joining the eam in early 2022, Celia has been able to share some of her favourites with staff and guests alike. Big juicy slicer tomato varieties, and cucumbers that make for a cool summer snack.With each passing season, she continues to expand her knowledge and expertise.

Scott Geiring - Chef de Cuisine  

For the past 25+ years, Chef Scott Geiring has been cooking up creative and delicious dishes within the Montreal area. Born and raised in Montreal, Scott grew up around a diverse world of flavors. He attended Pearson Culinary Institute of Montreal and graduated as one of the top chefs in his class. Through his post school travels Scott refined his culinary skills in everything .from European to Polynesian cuisine. After settling back in Montreal, Scott decided to open his own restaurant. Bistro Carambola went on to be wildly successful; becoming an award winning and nationally recognized restaurant with awards such as “One of Canada's top 10 Maverick Chefs from Quench Magazine formerly Tidings” and “Open Table's top 100 restaurants in Canada”. After selling his restaurant in 2018 to venture into more corporate territory in the culinary world, Scott accepted the position as Executive Chef with Airbnb at their Montreal headquarters. Scott and his family relocated to Kelowna in October 2020 and are excited to live the Okanagan lifestyle.

Tanja Martell - Communication Director and PR

Tanja joined the team June 2020. She has previously managed tasting rooms at Sandhill Wines and CedarCreek Estate Winery. With 9 years of experience in the industry in various roles from tasting rooms to events and touring she brings with her a wealth of knowledge in customer service, management and marketing.

Other key team members include Alex Viol -Wine experience Manager.

Featured Team

winebob49@gmail.com

Home | Sitemap | Featured Wine |Advertise | Writers | Gallery | Contact | Wine Terms ©2023 Robert A Bell

“Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities.