Dede comes from a family in the food industry, their mother worked in production and manufacturing health and safety and their elder brother was a chef for nearly a decade. Born and raised in Vancouver, they moved to Toronto in 2014 and knew that restaurants would be a sufficient first job experience in the big city. After graduating from the University of Toronto majoring Critical Studies in Equity and Solidarity as well as Literature and Critical Theory equipped them to analyze the world and the people within it.

This is the main drive for their interest in wine and viniculture. Centuries of history encompassing comraderie, violence, commerce, joy and politics are within wine.

Black hospitality professional, aiming to connect with other POC professionals and strengthen the unity of marginalized communities in our industry. I've completed WSET2 and CMS1, currently studying for CMS2 and WSET3.

To All my Fellow Melanated Canadians @ Vinequity,

Happy Black History Month!

To show my appreciation to how proud I am to be Melanated Canadian, I advocate for the cause to not only support our community, but to plan, build and protect families within the community.
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I would love to hear from you and your thoughts on the initiative.

~ Natalya Bailey

P.S - i would like to start a wine line and would like to be further educated on how to do that, please and thank you!

WSET Level 2 certified, I began hosting Asian food and wine/sake pairing events under @wine_pairing_company in 2023. Born and raised in a northern city of China, my deep connection to Asian food is rooted in my cultural heritage. I’m passionate about helping people discover wines that beautifully complement Asian cuisine, making wine approachable and enjoyable for everyone. Continuously learning and growing, I’m excited to share my love for food and wine pairings with a wider community.

I'm currently a student studying Hospitality Management at Fanshawe College, Downtown Toronto. I'm working as a bartender simultaneously and have worked for a major cruise line in the U.S in specialty restaurants and bars and I also have 5 star hotel experience back home.

I started my wine journey back in India, once I moved to Canada I started working in retail made my way to Junior Sommelier at a Golf Club in Toronto.

Sommelier at Bar Gobo. WSET Level 3.

I have my business diploma in marketing and sales from the University of the Fraser Valley.
I have worked in restaurants for over 30 years and was the General Manager of White Spot for 7 years.
I left White Spot to pursue my career in wine by starting employment with Fortitude Wine Bar here in the Fraser Valley.
Most recently I have joined the management team but I am looking to work as a Sommelier with our team.
I am starting my WSET 2 in March and am excited to learn more about my passion for wines and further career within the industry.

Hello, my name is Shivam Goyal, or as I now like to call myself, “Chef” Shivam Goyal. I’m a professional chef with a passion for food, cooking, and quality ingredients. I hold a post-graduate degree in Italian cuisine from George Brown College and currently work at an Italian restaurant in downtown Toronto. For me, cooking is more than just a career; it’s a source of personal fulfillment and contentment. I truly believe in the saying, “Life is about yeses and no’s, but there’s often a lot of 'ifs' and 'buts' hidden in between.” This resonates with me deeply as it reflects the journey of growth and learning in both life and the culinary world.

I am food and wine content creator with my WSET Level 3 certification. I create content for Instagram (@jennval_winegal) to entertain and educate my followers about wine, wine tasting and food pairings. I have also recently launched my website (jennvalewinegal.com) where I share my blog, recipes, and offer in-person or virtual wine tasting for people living in Toronto, Canada.