Our Estate Chef
Maurice Desharnais

Chef Maurice Desharnais is a Niagara local, who honed his culinary skills at Algonquin College in Ottawa. Desharnais was appointed Executive Sous Chef at The Winery Restaurant at Peller Estates and has been with Andrew Peller Limited for 15+ years.

In January 2019, Maurice left Niagara and moved to Kelowna, British Columbia to oversee the restaurant renovation of Gray Monk Estate Winery. He spent the next year and a half, working with local farmers and producers, showcasing the beauty and bounty of the Okanagan. Having completed the overhaul with the kitchen, menu and the restaurant at Gray Monk, he came back to his home in Niagara and took over the Executive Chef position at Wayne Gretzky Estates.

Maurice’s culinary philosophy and passion are strongly influenced by his Northern upbringing. He is known to bring an elevated approach to traditionally Canadian and rustic cuisine. Maurice prides himself on creating simple, uncomplicated food and shows his Canadian values through a no-quit attitude and support of sustainably sourced Canadian ingredients. Maurice has completed his second-level sommelier, Beer Certification, and his Fromagerie. He has also participated on Food Network's Chopped Canada.

At Wayne Gretzky Estates, Maurice has transformed three different restaurants into fun, casual dining spots that showcase the winery and distillery's iconic products in new ways. The relaxed and delicious menus offer a new way to experience the estates' wine and spirits.