Linda Milagros Violago

I am a first-generation Filipino Canadian and proud Winnipegger. My path has been unconventional in an already unconventional field. I have been working in restaurants for over 30 years but did not like wine for about the first ten! But I found my way after moving to Vancouver, and took a WSET class, then the ISG Sommelier Diploma and then never looked back. Wine has taken me around the world and I've worked in in restaurants 13 countries and done four harvests, and worked briefly in a sake brewery during brewing season. The pandemic kept me and many others still and there was plenty of time to sleep, dream, read, and reflect. How I live my live - my values and choices - definitely inform how I buy wine and create lists and how I educate my team. What I learned in those 18 months of lockdown was that I can do more, and I am able to more. This has never been more true for me now, as the first woman to lead the wine program at a 71-year old family-run restaurant in Seattle, Washington. The wine program is only a little bit about wine and leveraging buying power (though that's still pretty fun), but it's challenging how we talk about wine, present wine, learn about wine; about who has been included and excluded in our spaces, and about making it fun and accessible for everyone at all levels.

Maria Jose

I am a sustainable agriculture student and aspiring winemaker. Food and nature are my two favorite ways to connect with people. Dissecting flavours and textures, and contemplating how they came to be are running themes in my mind. The dream would be to contribute to the industry by promoting the interest and establishment of sustainable practices, growing good grapes in healthy vineyards while making amazingly delicious wines.

Wei Hong

I am a risk management professional in banking industry, have quantitative finance background.
I am a wine enthusiast, would love to learn more about the drink and the industry.

Srinivasa Velagala

I am affiliated with industry for over 17 years. I went to Hotel school in India to pursue my Hotel Management degree, where i learned about French culinary as well as hotel operations. I worked in India for about 5 years within Food and Beverage department from 3 star to 5 star luxury hotels. In 2012, i moved to Canada to study Food and Beverage Management at George Brown College, where i developed interest in learning wine. So far, i have WSET Level 2 and wanted to study Level 3 in 2020 but Covid halted my plans. Here in Canada i worked in almost all types of restaurants that serves different cuisines from Indian, Thai, Sushi and Asian Fusion, Spanish...etc. you name it i tell you.

Alicia Argul

Im Alicia, I was born in Argentina and I moved to Canada in 2012. I have two beautiful children, I have a degree in Marketing and I’m obtaining my certifications in education for children with special needs but wine, specially my beloved Malbec, is something that I love passionate.
I’m learning a lot, meeting many beautiful people in the industry and I hope I can do my best.

Charlotte Tang

Charlotte is a hospitality professional with over 10 years of experience in various front of house roles. She is currently studying for the WSET Diploma.

Serena Budhwani

Hello!
I'm searching for a wine community to learn and share my love for with with.
Looking forward to joining this amazing group.

Serena

Marisa

Have been in the industry for the past 12 years, working on the e-commerce end of the business. I first started my career at WineryToHome, as the Operations Manger, helping sourcing and curating wine packages for our Ontario Wine Club. I am currently the Manger of Partnerships at BlackSquare where I am responsible for the acquisition and maintenance of strategic relationships with corporate customers, marketing partners, winery vendors, and community organizations across all internal brands.

Natasha Samuels

I'm Natasha and I have always had a passion for wine and love exploring different flavour profiles. I am continuously expanding my palate and have a desire to share my passion with others. Currently, I am enrolled at George Brown College in the Wine Specialist Program. I would like to become a Wine Specialist while working towards becoming a Sommelier.

Recently, I created a virtual wine tasting event called 'Taste with Tash' where I host monthly wine tastings. I have had the pleasure to host these fun and informative events exploring different wines and various flavour profiles. It has been a privilege to expand my knowledge and be able to share what I have learned so far with those around me. I look forward to continuing to grow in this industry and learn from all of these amazing wine enthusiasts and professionals.

Jerome Christie

Follow me on my journey in to the world of wine. WSET 1 certification will be my first task.