I'm a sales rep in Rogers & Co. I moved to Toronto from Hong Kong about 4 years ago. I got my WSET 3 and CMS (Introductory) in Hong Kong; I finished Italian Wine Scholar in IWEG; now I'm self studying a Niagara wine course.
My first love is Bordeaux Grand Cru - thanks to the 1986 Clerc Milon my friend's dad opened in 2012. I then joined a Left Bank Bordeaux Cup blind tasting competition in 2014. My team was the champion in Hong Kong and we got sent to Bordeaux for the final competition with participants from 7 other countries. The final competition was held in Chateau Lafite's cellar, and this experience has become one of my most memorable wine experience. I'm glad that I then took WSET 3 that introduced me wine from all over the world to make me a more open-minded drinker and wine lover.
I share my wine reviews on Instagram, handle is @uncorksomething.

Over the past decade, a successful career in digital marketing & sales in three countries provided many opportunities to travel and meet people across various industries. During this time I developed a love for wines and met many people with fascinating careers in the wine industry. I’d always imagined that someday I would be a part of this industry and took the first step in this direction by signing up for Wines-I at George Brown College. This was followed by Wines-II and I enrolled in the Certified Sommelier program at George Brown College. The program was an incredible journey into the world of wines and after graduating in November 2019, I was convinced that I needed to make a transition in my career.

Over the past year I have been an active part of the industry, from volunteering at events to doing my stage at George and tasting and exploring wines with fellow sommeliers. Presently working with WineAlign, and enrolled in WSET Level 3 program, I plan to further continue my education. As Canadian wines become more popular and pique interest around the world, I’d like to play a small part in promoting our industry and welcoming newbies to our ‘Sommunity’.

I found the transition from the corporate world to the world of wines quite challenging. I’d like to work towards creating a smoother path for new sommeliers/non industry professionals to the wine industry.

I am Certified Sommelier through CMS. I just completed my WSET Level 3 Award in Sake. I am devoted to sake and wine and I’m continuing my education under the tutelage of sake sommelier Michael Tremblay. I have a new desire to learn more about wine making and vineyard management.

Server at Langdon Hall in Cambridge. In such a daunting world of wine, my experiences in learning wine have been first-hand or through learning through mentors. Learning through the WSET program has been great too. As a Filipino-Canadian, it’s quite a challenge to step into the wine industry, but what a great opportunity to break barriers for myself and the collective of Filipinos in the hospitality industry alike.

Beverage Manager at the Barrington steakhouse and oyster bar in Halifax, NS
Manage wine list, wine inventory, spirits list, bar team and training sessions

Yvette began her interest in Mezcal after sipping Mezcal Artesanal los Danzantes for first time
at famous restaurant Nicos in Mexico City where she used to live. Before moving to Toronto
Yvette took the “History and Culture of Mezcal Course” at Promezcal Association where she
discovered her love affair with Mexican food and mezcal.

Months later, once settled in Toronto, Yvette started her studies in the fascinating world of
Wine & Spirits which includes:
- WSET levels 1 and 2 in wines, level 2 in spirits
- Sommelier Factory Foundation Program
- CEMMEZ (cemmez.org.mx) Creating Socially Responsible Mezcal Brands

Over the years Yvette has developed collaborations with key players in the Wine and Spirits
industry as an educator, conducting tastings, developing marketing plans and sales.

In 2016 she founded Mezcal People with two goals, guiding mezcal and tequila producers in the
process to enter the Ontario market, and creating a community of enthusiasts that embrace
this fascinating spirit, mezcal.

In the Wine world, Yvette developed a plan to grow the on-premise sales of 3 multi-awarded
Mexican wines and looking forward to expanding the segment of Mexican wine in Ontario.

Yvette also has been an active participant in the community as a volunteer with diverse
professional immigrant associations and non-for profits that helps companies to scale globally
from Toronto.

Yvette is active on Instagram and fb @mezcalpeople

Vidal Wu is a beverage manager at Donna’s, with previous stints at Grey Gardens and The Drake Hotel. He has completed WSET Level 1 and several classes at Sommelier Factory. Prior to restaurants, he worked as a writer covering race, sexuality and culture, with work in Canadian Art, The Outline and TIFF’s The Review. His social media has been featured in Teen Vogue, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver and Refinery29. He lives in Toronto with his dog, Audrey, and loves wines from Germany and Austria.

Started my formal wine journey working at the LCBO. Was able to work at one of the amazing flagships and run the tasting bar. Completed my WSET level 2 in wine and spirits with distinction and my level 3 in wine with merit . I continue to work in sales and am very interested in continuing to expand my knowledge and become a sommelier.

Taking a trip across the globe with every sip. Looking for the opportunity to gain more knowledge with a group of my like minded peers. I hear you, I see you. I just require some of their privilege. Let's talk.

Young professional originally from Ontario living in Vancouver. Have worked over a number of years in the Casual/Fine-Dining Industry. Interested in learning more about wine to further myself in a career surrounded by wine.