Our People

Melissa Marotta-Paolicelli & Angela Marotta, Co-Proprietors

Along with their family, sisters Melissa and Angela shared a vision. Not only did they want to create a gorgeous Estate to visit but they wanted to create a winery that could be a leader in producing super-premium and luxury wines in Canada. They feel incredibly blessed that they have been able to bring their vision to fruition. As an extension of the Marotta family, they have grasped at the opportunity to settle roots in the Niagara Region, particularly Niagara-on-the Lake, and they are producing some of the finest wines from its beautiful and unique terroir. As a team, Angela and Melissa each have their own area of focus and expertise. Angela oversees strategic planning, product development and overall customer service. She ensures high standards are always met in the vineyard, guaranteeing the highest level of wine making is reached. Melissa focuses on the seamless delivery of the quality, luxury and elegance at all consumer touch points for the brand. She also ensures that marketing strategies are in place that support the positioning of Two Sisters as a premium part of the dynamic Niagara wine and food landscape.

Adam Pearce, Head Winemaker

Pursuing a career in viticulture was inevitable for Adam – it has long been his love and passion. After graduating from the Winery & Viticultural program at Niagara College, Adam perfected his craft at leading wineries along the Escarpment before moving outside Ontario to further his skillset. After time with wineries in both British Columbia and Australia, Adam returned to Niagara to spearhead the wine program at Two Sisters Vineyards. Taking a non-interventionalist approach to TSV’s luxury wine portfolio, Adam lets the fruit and vineyards take center stage in producing wines that are a true expression of the terroir. In 2018, Adam’s efforts were rewarded at Canada’s most prestigious wine competition, The National Wine Awards of Canada. The 2014 Cabernet Franc was awarded a platinum medal along with other distinguished awards which led to TSV being awarded ‘Best Performing Small Winery of the Year in Canada’.

Emily Royal, Assistant Winemaker

Emily got her start working in the fine dining food and beverage industry, and after over a decade in the industry, writing wine lists, hosting tasting events and completing her WSET Level Three certification, she studied at Niagara College, graduating from the Winery & Viticulture Program in 2019 at the top of her class, and winning multiple grants and awards. During her studies, Emily worked with the Niagara College Research and Innovation Centre as a wine researcher and developed a new RTD product that can be found on LCBO shelves across Ontario. Emily began working with Two Sisters Vineyards as a Cellar Hand in 2018. Promoted to Assistant Winemaker in 2020, she is preparing for her fifth harvest with the winery and looking forward to their new project, a second winery opening in the near future.

Jannine Lavoie, Chief Operations Officer

Jannine brings over 30 years of hospitality and restaurant experience to the Two Sisters team. She has been part of the team since before the Estate doors opened; coming on board to help set up operations and support in Kitchen 76 management. A food and wine aficionado, Jannine has had the pleasure of working for a variety of Niagara wineries but is proud to call TSV home; a company that she is pleased to work for and supports her success in business while balancing family life. Managing the Estate keeps Jannine extremely busy however, her passion, dedication, and attention to detail at every touchpoint ensures that each guest has a beautiful experience each and every time they visit us.

Dieter Unruh, Wine Director

Dieter Unruh is our Wine Director and Estate Sommelier Magister. He has worked in various capacities in the wine industry for almost 20 years and has developed a wide range of tasting programs, tours and premium experiences that engage and delight winery guests and visitors. He also is a seasoned traveler which allows Dieter to bring incredible breadth and depth to his role. Dieter became a Sommelier in 2004, and recently attained the ISGM Sommelier Degree designation, and the title of Sommelier Magister. Concurrent with his other experience and education, Dieter has been an Instructor for the International Sommelier Guild for over a decade. He has taught programs and courses at all levels and thoroughly enjoys passing his love and passion for wine onto his students.

Lanny MacLeod, Head Chef

Chef Lanny MacLeod attributes his love of cooking to his grandmother as he grew up making soups, stews, and homemade breads, he learned he was destined for a career in hospitality.  After graduating from the Culinary Management program at Niagara Culinary Institute, Lanny sharpened his skills working in the Inns and Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake. After attaining his Red Seal, Lanny headed to Canada’s East coast where he earned his first Executive Chef position. He next ventured to Toronto to become an Executive Chef where he found his true passion in culinary leadership. After a decade in Toronto, Lanny looked for a change of scenery in Muskoka, bringing his enthusiasm for great hospitality and amazing food to a new crew of chefs.

Chef Lanny then returned to Niagara-on-the-Lake to lead the Kitchen76 team, bringing his years of culinary experience and passion for seasonal, local ingredients to the table.

Kelly Yazaroglu, Estate Manager

Kelly was born and raised in Niagara and has been a part of the culinary scene in Niagara for over 25 years. Kelly began working in restaurants while studying Horticulture at Niagara College and quickly fell in love with the industry. Working at the winery allows her to fulfill her passion for hospitality while being surrounded by her other loves; wine and horticulture!  After joining Two Sisters Vineyards as a server in 2017, Kelly now leads the Kitchen76 team, striving to ensure all of our guests have an amazing TSV experience.

Tara Moore, Events Manager

With over 20 years spent in the hospitality industry, Tara brings a wealth of experience and excellence to the TSV events team. After working specifically in fine dining, she discovered her love of wine and passion for event management. After gaining experience at a national level, Tara settled in Niagara and joined the Two Sisters restaurant team. She took the lead on many winery events, including weddings and our signature Estate event, Journey of Flavours.  Tara has a love for creating beautiful, memorable events for our Estate guests and she is thrilled to be at the helm of bringing our guest experiences to fruition.

Wilhelm Muller, Vineyard Manager

Born in Cali, Colombia, Wilhelm ran his own business for more than 18 years while also working with his father at their coffee farm where he found his love of the outdoors and agriculture. After moving to Niagara in 2011 with his family, he studied the Winery and Viticulture Program at Niagara College. His passion for the wine industry grew, and his dedication to growing and producing premium grapes flourished. He is an incredibly important member of our winemaking team, working closely with Adam and Emily to meticulously grow and maintain our incredible vineyards.

Lindsey Thompson Tjan, Marketing Manager

Lindsey earned a degree in English & Writing followed by a Marketing & Advertising Diploma. She moved to Calgary, Alberta where she worked for several years at an advertising agency. It was during a road trip to British Columbia where she discovered her love of fine wine. After moving back to Niagara and experiencing the Two Sisters Vineyards Veranda Tasting, she made up her mind that working at a winery would be her dream job. Lindsey is thrilled to marry her two passions of marketing and wine together in a role she enjoys with a premium product she truly loves.