About Us
We are independent winegrowers in Summerland, BC focused on the stewardship of 16.5 acres of vineyard. Our team works harmoniously with nature to express each vineyard in the glass, resulting in an exciting exploration of Summerland through grapes. We maintain our vines in a holistic way, inspired by organic and biodynamic farming practices, to produce healthy, clean fruit. Despite our three vineyards being located mere kilometres apart, the terroir is tremendously varied. We create ~3000 cases of wine annually, made from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Viognier, Gamay, and Syrah.
While initially touring Elysia Vineyard (where the winery now rests) a large granite rock was discovered, perfectly split in half. Local rumours say it was hit by lightning during a spring storm. A true reflection of the land – perched halfway up this thermal volcanic ridge – it aligns perfectly with our desire to create electric, juicy wines.
We are family and dog friendly winery, and encourage everyone to come enjoy the panoramic vistas from Peachland to Penticton, and the wines, of course.
Our Team
Ron Kubek
Owner
Ron stands at the helm of the team as our fearless leader, sales expert and the founder of 3 operating companies. Ron acquired the winery's vineyard sites, overseeing the gradual build of our state-of-the-art facilities on the main property where he and his loving wife, Tracy, reside. He is best known for his pragmatic, lively, can-do (quickly!) approach.
Sébastien Hotte
Vigneron
Sébastien, or Seb for short, is a Washington State University graduate, and certified sommelier from the École Hôtelière des Laurentides who believes in low-intervention winemaking. Seb has worked in the wine industry for several benchmark wineries, is an acting consultant, and also created his own wine label - Sebastien Laurent.
Katrice Sutherland
General Manager
Katrice oversees Lightning Rock's daily operations in the tasting room, wine club and wholesale. She has worked in various positions throughout the wine industry since 2017 specializing in marketing and club management. Katrice is a sommelier in training, with a background in Small Business, and Journalism/ Multi-media Design.
Tracy Kubek
Events Manager
Tracy is an adminstrative professional, the hostess with the mostess, and an incredible mother of four. Tracy manages venue weddings and events, and works in the tasting room. She has an insatiable need to feed everyone her delicious baking, and her contagious laughter is remembered by all who visit our winery.
Max Le Blond
Assistant Winemaker
Quiet and sincere, Max is a bonafide dirt nerd, who is the steward of a small vineyard in Okanagan Falls called Lilypond. Max is a soon-to-be-father, as he and his wife are expecting their first child. He will be studying through the Viticulture program at Washington State University.
Kristen Antypowich
Vineyard Team
Kristen worked in natural grocers for many years, and understands the importance of quality care. She recently began her career as a wine club manager for a neighboring winery and realized her preference to learn more in the vineyard. She is happiest outside, active, tending to our vines.
Yazid Machane
Vineyard Team
Yazid is a pensive, polyglot, philosophical gentleman hailing from Algeria. He famously helped plant the original Canyonview Vineyard site in 2003 and has returned to carefully steward it years later. Give him a wave if you see him enjoying one of his long walks along the winding roads of Summerland.
Katie Welsh
Tasting Room Team
New team member, joining us in April 2023. Stay tuned to learn more!
Angie Matthews
Tasting Room Team
New team member, joining us in April 2023. Stay tuned to learn more!