Janik Livera

Janik is a hospitality professional to the core of his being.
Born and raised in Sri-Lanka and moved to Vancouver in his early teens. Janik's love and enthusiasm for all things food whether it be his Mother's traditional curries or exploring food cultures in the places he traveled to, led him to a diploma in Culinary Arts from The Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts in Vancouver and was the first Canadian to compete at the World Tapas Championship in Valladolid Spain. Followed by a stint with the Fairmont Vancouver Airport, Janik quickly realized he would rather be working with people rather than halibut, he transferred his skills from the culinary field into hospitality where his love for all things wine blossomed. Janik had the opportunity to work and learn with some of the best in the industry during his time with the Vancouver Club. Janik studied Sculpture and Art History for his undergraduate degree and worked on a Masters of Divinity to realize his true passion and calling was Hospitality. Janik is currently the Hospitality Manager at Maverick Estate Winery, located in Oliver BC and leads a team of wine enthusiasts and sommeliers in providing an authentic and informative wine experience to a variety of guests. Janik's passion for hospitality has led to mentoring students who have graduated from programs from the University of Victoria and Okanagan College and has focused on developing "Personal Brands", embracing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion for the Wine Industry and creating memorable experiences for his students and his guests.
Janik lives in Oliver with his wife and daughter and can be found riding his bike in his free time. And if hospitality is not enough, Janik is also a licensed officiant performing marriage ceremonies across the Okanagan Valley.

Akshay Gupta

I have an extensive background in Marketing and Distribution of ready-made garments and bags which I hope to translate into the Wine industry.
I am currently in the final term of my MBA from Brock with a special focus on marketing and entrepreneurship.
I am also enrolled for the WSET II offered by CCOVI at Brock University.
I will be assisting Dr. Antonia Mantanokis with her research in consumer perception influenced by wine labels.

Easha Acharya

Hi, I'm Easha! I have an education background in political science, natural resource law and policy, and sustainability. I have worked in marketing, public policy, and currently work in a market development capacity for BC's agriculture and food and beverage/food service industries, including wineries. This experience has piqued my interest in wine and I recently started exploring the study materials for the Certified Specialist of Wine!

Jordan Mooken

Beginner wine student, currently a senior chef. Looking for education and experience in the wine world.

Meghan Better

I’m the owner and operator of Halifax Charcuterie. I am the first Black women owned charcuterie business in Nova Scotia, and I want to expand my offerings to include wine. Charcuterie and wine go hand and hand, and the more I read the more I discovered about different wines enhancing the tastes of the charcuterie items. I want to take that to the next level and professionally develop the skills necessary to properly educate my clients.

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Christine Omollo

I am a Bcom graduate ,Level 2 graduate and VIA international alumni.
I have 18 years experience in the wine industry and since wine education and mentors is rare in Africa.I look forward to get a mentor

Yufeng Luo

Hospitality professional with great interested in wine, wine production and vineyard management. I am a certified sommelier through Court of Master Sommerlier, and I also acquired WSET Level 3 in wine as well as Sake. In order to deepen my knowledge and expand my skill, I have spent 2 years working at different wineries in France, Germany and Australia.

Edward Qu

Niagara College Teaching Winery Teaching assistant.
Winery and Viticulture program graduate, WSET3 with three vintages harvest experience.

Johann Wong

Hello, I am Johann! I am a Retail Sales Representative for Andrew Peller Limited's The Wine Shop. My work focuses on promoting retail sales of VQA products from various Niagara Peninsula wineries. Working for Andrew Peller enlightened me with an introduction to formal wine education, detailing the wine-making process, different grape varieties, and concepts of terroir. Besides my experience in the industry, I decided to take it up to the next level with my current certification of Level 1 in Wines with the Wine & Spirits Education Trust. I am young and fairly new to the wine industry, and I look forward to receiving mentorship while completing higher levels of education from WSET.