Five dollars and a dream

Five dollars and a dream

In March 1927, twenty-four-year-old Andrew Peller sailed into Halifax with five dollars in his pocket. While he had plenty of time to think about his future during the long journey from Hungary aboard the R.M.S. Ausonia, finding his definitive calling in a land of such great opportunity would take time. It wasn’t until years later, when he planted his first vineyards in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, that his ultimate dream would take root: he would create a culture across the country where Canadians, much like Europeans, would appreciate and share quality wines with family and friends.

Family matters

Family matters

At the age of 58, thirty-four years after arriving in Canada, Andrew Peller’s modest Okanagan vineyard inspired a vision for the entire family and he opened wineries in British Columbia, Ontario and Nova Scotia. As the business flourished in 1966, Andrew’s son Joe, then Chief of Medicine for Hamilton Civic Hospitals, left behind his successful career in medicine to join his father in the family business.

The dream inspires a new generation

The dream inspires a new generation

In 1989, Andrew’s grandson, John, became the third generation to continue the family’s legacy of creating truly world-class wines and winery experiences for Canadians to enjoy with family and friends. An ever-growing collection of national and international wine awards and over 280,000 visitors to the winery each year are testament to the power of a timeless vision, an unfaltering commitment to family and a country that allows the dreams of newcomers to take flight.

The Peller Estates team takes great pride in having operated for four generations as a family-owned Canadian company. It’s a legacy that reminds us that above all else, family matters.

A Toast to Canada & Kin

A Toast to Canada & Kin

a message from John Peller

While my grandfather is no longer with us, his love for the country that supported his family and his entrepreneurial spirit lives on in all we do at Peller Estates.

Like so many immigrants before and after him, my grandfather arrived in Canada as a young dreamer with a hope for a better life. It would take almost three decades for him to determine his ultimate vision of creating a national culture where Canadians, much like Europeans, could appreciate and share premium-quality wines with family and friends. The fact that he embarked on the ambitious new path to realize this vision at an age where many are planning their retirement speaks to what a true land of opportunity that Canada is.

Four generations later, our family and our team of dedicated employees continue to be passionately devoted to ensuring that Peller Estates remains true to my grandfather’s vision. For a family company like ours, there is simply no greater honour than knowing our wines have earned a place on the table at your family dinners, milestone celebrations and special moments.

Cheers, from our family to yours,
John Peller