My path into the wine industry is rooted in community, culture, and a commitment to creating the spaces I did not see growing up. As a Black woman born and raised in St. Louis, I understand the power of gathering around a table and the sense of belonging it can create. For me, wine is not an exclusive club. It is a vehicle for connection, storytelling, and building chosen family. Over the past five years, my professional experience has spanned large scale event operations, hospitality, and program management, giving me a strong foundation in creating meaningful experiences for diverse audiences. I have complemented this hands on experience with formal wine study, earning my PreSomm Wine Certificate and successfully completing the Introductory Sommelier Course and Examination through the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas.

My passion for wine is inspired by the leaders who are expanding and redefining the industry, from Black, Brown, and queer producers across the country to mentors in my local St. Louis wine community. To deepen my knowledge, I actively participate in local wine clubs where enthusiasts of all experience levels gather to taste, learn, and share perspectives. My field study in Italy alongside the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization revealed how deeply wine reflects a region’s history, economy, agriculture, and people. Combined with my background in Design Thinking and Journey Mapping, this experience shaped my human centered approach to hospitality and experience design.

Hospitality and retail professional with experience in fine dining, specialty wine retail, and high‑traffic customer environments, currently serving at an award‑winning Thai restaurant and working as a sales associate at an independent wine merchant with a B.Sc. in Food, Nutrition and Health from UBC, bringing FOODSAFE Level 1 and Serving It Right certifications, strong guest‑service skills, and solid stock and merchandising experience, with a genuine passion for food, beverages, and design‑driven, premium brands.

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Over 15 years in the wine industry working from tasting rooms as an associate to bar manager.
Fave Red: Petite Sirah
Fave White: Torrantes

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As a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, I have developed a solid expertise in wine tasting, service, and beverage knowledge. I am currently part of the team at Le Coureur des Bois, a destination recognized internationally for the quality of its wine program.

The restaurant has earned a prestigious Wine Spectator Award of Excellence and was recently honored with a Gold Star from Star Wine List, acknowledging one of the world’s most outstanding wine lists. This role allows me to work with an exceptional cellar, engage with a diverse range of wines from renowned regions, and contribute to delivering a world-class dining and wine experience.

I am passionate about continuous learning and professional development within the wine industry. My goal is to keep refining my knowledge, expand my understanding of the world’s wine regions and producers, and further develop my skills in service, pairing, and cellar management. I am always eager to learn from experienced professionals and take on new challenges that will help me grow as a sommelier.

Club & Guest Experience Lead @ Niche Wine Co
WSET 3 Certified

I’m Tamaralayefa, a Nigerian-born drinks content creator and industry professional now based in Mississauga, Ontario. I spent six years working in Nigeria’s drinks industry with Drinks.ng and Barrels.ng, growing from social media management into content creation, on-camera presenting and event coverage. In March 2025, I visited the Hennessy, Martell and Laurent-Perrier houses in Cognac and Champagne, France. I hold a Smart Serve certification and am currently pursuing my WSET Level 2. I create content across Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, telling drinks stories through a Nigerian and African diaspora lens for audiences in Canada and globally.

Wine Drinker
WSET 1 working on WSET 2
Human Geography and Planning Graduate
Background in research, production and design
Currently in Beaujolais, France, supporting the development of a new winery from 80-year-old vines
Eager to have similar and more experiences in and around my home city of Toronto

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