Who We Are
The National Capital Sommelier Guild welcomes members of all levels, from students and wine lovers to Masters of Wine. Members share a common appreciation of fine wines and wine service and are especially keen to discover fine wines and spirits that offer great value for money.
Reflecting the broad perspective and interests of its members, the Guild offers a diverse program of wine related events monthly. These events focus on one or more aspects of theory, tasting and/or wine and food pairing.
Events include
Although participation in some of the above events is restricted to Members most of the tastings and dinners are open to a limited number of sponsored guests.
The Guild also fosters professionalism and skill development by offering an annual scholarship and awarding prizes to residents of the National Capital region pursuing studies in related areas.
Reflecting the broad perspective and interests of its members, the Guild offers a diverse program of wine related events monthly. These events focus on one or more aspects of theory, tasting and/or wine and food pairing.
Events include
- Regular advance tastings of LCBO Vintages releases
- Events matching wines with cheese, small plates, desserts, etc…
- Regional and varietal tastings designed to expand participant’s wine knowledge
- Special tastings of older, cellared wines acquired at auction or from personal collections
- Co-operative sponsorship of special events with other wine or trade organisations
- Awareness and promotion of events and tastings across the National Capital region
Although participation in some of the above events is restricted to Members most of the tastings and dinners are open to a limited number of sponsored guests.
The Guild also fosters professionalism and skill development by offering an annual scholarship and awarding prizes to residents of the National Capital region pursuing studies in related areas.
Governance
Elected annually by the members, the Board of Directors is responsible for planning and carrying out the on-going operations of the Guild. A Council of Governors, made up of leaders in the community, provides advice and counsel on overall strategic direction.
Board of Directors
Key volunteers
Governor emeritus
Council of Governors
Elected annually by the members, the Board of Directors is responsible for planning and carrying out the on-going operations of the Guild. A Council of Governors, made up of leaders in the community, provides advice and counsel on overall strategic direction.
Board of Directors
- President: Bill Ellis
- Vice President: Marie-France Champagne
- Treasurer: Rod Story
- Secretary: Lisa Isabelle
- Directors: Don Cook, Ian Duncan, Greg Nyman, Sean O’Regan, Sylvain Segard, Matt Steeves
Key volunteers
- Cynthia Mar
Registrar
events@sommelierguild.com - Dave Isaacs
Webmaster
webmaster@sommelierguild.com - Dawn Harvie
Communications
Governor emeritus
- Michael Botner
Wine writer
Owner, Accounting for Taste B&B - Peter Ward
Wine Consultant
Wine Writer
Council of Governors
- Luke Ambridge
District Sales Manager
Atlas Wine Merchants - Stephen Beckta
Owner, Beckta Dining and Wine - Peter Collis
Guild Past Vice-President and Treasurer - Gay Cook
Owner, Mrs Cook’s Food
Food Writer, The Ottawa Citizen - Tim Davis
Guild Past President - Michael Fagan
Manager, Vintages LCBO Knowledge Resources Group - Victor Harradine
Guild Past President
Publisher, winecurrent.com
former Director, Algonquin College Sommelier Program - J. Phillip Nicholson
Guild Founding Member and Past President - Karen Norris
District Manager, LCBO - Veronique Rivest
Sommelier - Halina Player
President, Players Exposition - Daniel Speck
Vice President Sales, Henry of Pelham - Rick Slomka
Canadian Directory, California Wine Institute - Gord Weber
Wine Agent, Colio Estates