I have been a part of the hospitality industry since 2019. I have worked at restaurants like Alo, PAi, and Clio. I have worked in many capacities, progressively in the industry first as a polisher, then a food runner and service assistant, and finally a server.

I left the hospitality industry in 2022 and worked in the Federal Government

I recently left my job (2024) and I am looking to get back into the hospitality industry in Toronto.

I received my Honours Bachelor of Science (HBSc) in Psychology and Biology from the University of Toronto in 2022

Hi all,

My name is Shanti and I’m of West Indian descent.

I have 20 + years of experience in the hospitality industry in various FOH positions.

I currently hold my WSET level 2: Award in Wines certification, and I'm looking to further my wine education.

Cheers! 🥂

I am an anthropologist and a Ph.D. candidate at the University of British Columbia. My current research work explores the role and influences of BIPOC/diaspora on wine tourism using a comparative case study between the Okanagan and Napa Valley. Further, examining how a culinary/wine destination identity is created and represented for these places. I am interested in exploring different areas contributing to wine cultures by using academic insights to create practical impacts in the industry like through marketing, diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.

Areas of Research Interest: food and wine, tourism, anthropology, marketing/business, education, mental health and popular culture 

Born and raised in Vancouver, Alexia started in hospitality as a way to fund her studies at the University of Victoria. After moving back to Vancouver, Alexia started working at Campagnolo/Campagnolo Upstairs and quickly fell in love with wine and spirit. Shortly after starting at The Mackenzie Room in late 2019, Alexia finished her WSET Level 3 and her Court of Masters Intro while running their beverage program and eventually became the Beverage Director for the Collective Hospitality group of restaurants (The Mackenzie Room, Say Mercy, and Collective Goods). In 2023, Alexia successfully finished the first unit of the Wine Scholar Guild, Italian Wine Scholar and Spanish Wine Scholar. From the start of her of wine journey, Alexia has been committed to furthering her eduction and experience in order to be a leader and role model to other BIPOC women in our community. These days, you can find Alexia at Burdock & Co. serving as their Assistant General Manager. When she's not there, she's probably hanging out with her shiba inu, Dustin.

Hospitality, to me, embodies the art of ensuring others feel embraced and welcomed, while also delivering exceptional experiences. This mindset was instilled in me from a young age within my big joint family from the quaint town of Sylhet in Bangladesh. Growing up, hosting guests for various occasions was a common occurrence in my house, with my parents consistently going the extra mile to ensure our guests felt truly at home and cherished. Without knowing this upbringing laid the foundation for my understanding and appreciation of the importance of hospitality.

My name is Joydip Dey, and I currently serve as the General Manager at Ascari Enoteca and Mercatino E Vini. My journey in the hospitality industry began in 2019 when I joined the Ascari Hospitality Group as a Server Assistant at their inaugural Ascari King West location. Over time, I progressed within the organization, eventually assuming a management role in 2021 until January 2023, where I served as an Assistant General Manager. Following this, I was presented with the opportunity to oversee operations at Mercatino E Vini, tasked with enhancing both online and in-store services. Eager for new challenges and keen to delve deeper into the world of wines, I embraced this role wholeheartedly. Recently, I have taken the GM position for Ascari Enoteca as well where I oversee the operation, sales, finance, wine curation, inventory management along with managing Mercatino E Vini.

Tony Romas, Joey Hospitality Group, Terroni, Mamakas Taverna are some of the other places that I have worked while studying Creative Advertising at Seneca College as an international student.

After moving to Toronto to pursue a career in business consulting, I found myself drawn to the exciting hospitality and wine scene in the city. Fast forward a few years and I have had the pleasure of working as a server and bartender alongside dozens of lovely members of the Ontario wine community. I am currently focused on my education and growing my knowledge through both the classroom setting as well as on the restaurant floor. I am working towards CMS certification, which I hope to obtain this coming year.

Willow Cioppa is an emerging wine professional with a particular interest in strange, fun, freaky, complicated wine. They have extensive experience working in restaurants and have been gaining experience working directly in wineries. As they are also a copywriter and content designer, they have offered Marketing consulting to wineries, specializing in describing wine in engaging, unique, and personal ways.

Hello everyone,
As an extremely enthusiastic individual with over 15 years of food & beverage industry experience working in various positions in hospitality industry in general and in restaurant environment in particular ranging from a dishwasher to a proud restaurant owner/operator in Canada
complimented with over 6 years combined education and work experience in Engineering as well from India, with confident proactive abilities , passion for customer care and an eager thirst for leaning I am very excited to be a part of Vinequity.

My qualifications include, but not limited to, Wine Specialist (Sommelier) certificate from George Brown College, Toronto WSET LEVEL 1,2 and 3 and excitedly looking forward to join the WSET level 4 Diploma in Wines and spirits in the fall of 2024. I also have an M.Eng in mechanical engineering from Concordia University, Montreal.

I currently work as a Captain / part time sommelier in a reputed restaurant in Toronto and looking forward to share/ learn more in this community.
Thanks and Cheers!!

I am a Kenyan sommelier, currently working in a cruise line. I hold
WSET 1& 2 and a Diploma in Business Administration. I am working towards getting WSET level 3 that will assist me to get better opportunities.

I am very focused in education as I know its the key to success. I always thrive to prove myself as an African Sommelier amongst other Sommeliers from other parts of the world.

2018, chicken Biryani and a bottle of Rioja threw me into the lovely journey into wine as a young college student. I am a Kenyan student currently in my last year of architecture school and very passionate about wines and beverage having attained WSET 3 in wines and actively pursuing French Wine Scholar. I currently work part time as a sale person for a local importer in Kenya, Under the Influence Beverage Solutions, having worked previously as an on floor sommelier at Movenpick Hotel and Residences Nairobi. I dream of becoming a Master of Wine.