Gabriel

I’m a talent person of color male looking to broaden my experiences and skills in a new creative area. I have experiences with fine dining, bar tending and serving. I studied wines. I would love to learn more and challenge myself.

Andres Herrera

Top-performing sales and marketing professional with 8 years of experience in the alcohol industry, first as an importer and distributor and currently, as a wine buyer and events manager for Britannia Wine Merchants, a boutique wine shop in Calgary.

My 14 years of sales and marketing experience in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry has given me in-depth understanding of the sales cycle process and remain focus on customer satisfaction throughout all stages. Effective leader, communicator and negotiator with ability on handling problem accounts and promoting new business.

Areas of expertise include distributor networks, key accounts management, CRM, trade show execution, direct sales and marketing, and product training.

I'll be starting my WSET Leve 3 in March 2022, followed by my WSET Diploma later in the year.

David Ariza

Hi! My name is David Ariza. I'm a music producer by trade and a wine lover by night. I fell in love with food and wine after completing the Culinary Management program at George Brown College.

I find wine to be a meditative vehicle. A present tasting becomes both a sensory and grounding experience for me. I love the way it encompasses the land, the people, and the stories they share. As an immigrant and refugee I find the idea of "immigrant grapes" like Malbec in Argentina to be deeply romantic and parallel to my own journey in Canada.

The beauty of studying wine has led me to growing as a professional in music where the senses are also engaged. When wines are well balanced it's reminiscent of well tuned instruments and beautiful notes!

My dream is to learn as much as possible about tasting and serving wine, become deeply entrenched in the culture and mentorship that I can find and eventually open my own wine store where I can curate wines based on the experiences that I've been fortunate to live out in this rich world.

Shannon Chong-Eng

I am currently a server in Toronto. I have limited wine knowledge, but I'm am super interested in learning more.

Sharon Tan

Working in a winery in BC, my role mainly focuses on administration and sales. This wonderful industry and community inspire me to absorb as much as possible. I just finished WSET Level 3, and I know I can pass, so I will further my career by taking the diploma. I hope to get to know more lovely people in the industry who share the same passion. Cheers!

Marcus Wiens

Employed in the Restaurant Industry as a server.
* WSET Level 2 Award in Wines
* WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits
* ISG Wine Fundamentals Certificate Level 2

Khadijah Salawu

Hello, I’m Khadijah Salawu and I’m a Toronto-based multi-platform storyteller and cultural curator that fell into the world of wine much like Alice in Wonderland. Similar to Alice when I found a bottle at the end of the rabbit hole inscribed with the inviting prompt “Drink Me”, I drank and have been enamoured by the effervescent connections, places, history and experiences wine brings into our lives.

I’m very new to the world of wine, having just completed my WSET 1. I’m deeply excited to be able to connect with other oenophiles through Vinequity and share our love and knowledge for wine over a glass (or a few lol).

I hope to be able to bring my experience of programming, art direction and curating to this kindred community. As well as make some new friends and undergo meaningful mentorship.

Michelle Widerszpil

Server/bartender on the path to becoming a sommelier. Current WSET level 3 student.

Claudia Fandiño

Claudia Fandino is a creative thinker who is exceptionally skilled at curating experiences in the hospitality industry, her excellent time management, systematic skills and welcoming personality prove her capacity to work in team settings while prioritizing tasks to reach desired results. With a background in art, fashion and costumer service, she has decided to set foot in the wine industry, an evolving world that promises beautiful experiences and growth. This Vancouver based professional is not to be pass unrecognized.

Yvonne Ho

I am currently a bartender but I have recently attained my WSET 3 and am looking to step into more of a restaurant manager/wine support role at the restaurant I work at.