This interview is with Sirpa Peacock of Ocelli Cellars. In this interview, Sirpa discusses her work in the Oregon wine industry and her path to starting her own brand.
Sirpa talks about how she began in the industry. A Linfield University graduate in sociology, Sirpa was not looking forward to more schooling, so she decided to get into an industry she enjoyed. She started working part-time at a wine bar and kept growing from there. Her unique talent of establishing structure and organization opened doors for her to keep evolving within the industry and working at places such as Archery Summit, Colene Clemens, and Appassionata Estate.
Sirpa discusses the beginnings of starting her wine brand with her husband, John. Ocelli was born in 2013 after her husband jokingly said to their winemaking friend that it would be fun to start a brand. That friend let them use some barrels to start their project and the rest is history. For the next decade, Sirpa and John would work their full-time jobs while producing and selling their small brand.
Later in the interview, Sirpa talks about their new tasting room. Opening in March of 2026, the Ocelli tasting room is actually a dual tasting room with another small brand, Stephen Goff Wines. Sirpa wanted the tasting room to have a “neighborhood vibe” where people can experience comfortable community. Sirpa is confident for the growth of the tasting room and cannot wait to watch it evolve.
This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at the Ocelli Cellars tasting room in Dundee on July 8, 2026.
What is The Oregon Wine History Archive Podcast?
The Oregon Wine History Archive at Linfield University was created to collect, preserve, share, and continue the narrative of Oregon wine.
The growth of the Oregon wine industry extends from the farmers and winemakers to the marketers, scientists, innovators, and dreamers of the enterprise — all of whom are vital to the industry’s success. It is our aim to link the past, present, and future of the industry in hopes of sharing the story of Oregon wine.
Some oral history interviews are conducted on site and may contain background noise from nature, winery, or tasting room operations.