About us

Programming

Reflecting the broad perspective and interests of its members, the Guild offers a diverse program of some 50 events annually. Each focuses on some aspect of theory, tasting and/or service. They include:

Tastings

regular advance tastings of Vintages releases
regional and varietal tastings designed to expand participant’s wine knowledge
seminars and analytical tastings aimed at advancing the art of wine appreciation
co-operative sponsorship of special events with other wine or trade organisations

Wine and food matching events

annual events celebrating the seasons such as the Fall Harvest Dinner, the Christmas Dinner, the Spring Dinner, the Mechoui and the Summer Barbecue.
periodic dinners, usually monthly, exploring the marriage of wine with diverse cuisines
periodic events matching wines with cheeses, smoked foods, desserts, etc…

Courses and clinics

clinics for wine novices
clinics for developing more analytical tasting skills
clinics to review and test wine and food matching principles
(upon request) wine Sales and Service Course for Hotel and Restaurant Managers and Servers

Although participation in some of the above events is restricted to Members and in some cases to Trade Members only, most of the tastings and dinners are open to a limited number of 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, while a Council of Governors made up of leaders in the community, provides advice and counsel on overall strategic direction.

Board of Directors

Bill Ellis President billellissommelierguildcom (billellissommelierguildcom)	Malcolm Rose Vice President malcomrosesommelierguildcom
Robert White Treasurer robertwhitesommelierguildcom (robertwhitesommelierguildcom)	Burt Riverso Secretary burtriversosommelierguildcom (burtriversosommelierguildcom)
Cynthia Mar Registrar eventssommelierguildcom (eventssommelierguildcom)	Ian Duncan Director ianduncansommelierguildcom (ianduncansommelierguildcom)
Mark Kilpatrick Director markkilpatricksommelierguildcom (markkilpatricksommelierguildcom)	David Skinner Director davidskinnersommelierguildcom (davidskinnersommelierguildcom)
(nicolevalleesommelierguildcom) Richard Thibodeau Director richardthibodeausommelierguildcom (richardthibodeausommelierguildcom)	Rod Story Director rodstorysommelierguildcom (rodstorysommelierguildcom)
Andrew Travill Director andrewtravillsommelierguildcom	Larry Woods Director larrywoodssommelierguildcom
Jacques de Montigny Director jacquesdemontignysommelierguildcom

Key volunteers

Dave Isaacs
Webmaster
webmastersommelierguild dot com (webmastersommelierguild dot com)

Dawn Harvie
Newsletter Editor
newslettersommelierguild dot com (newslettersommelierguild dot com)

Pierre Fournier
Standards and Outreach
pierre dot fourniersommelierguild dot com (pierre dot fourniersommelierguild dot com)

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 Director, Partnerships and Outreach 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

News + Announcements

A Word from Bill – May 2013

May and June will be a good time for our membership to take a look at the diversity of events that are representative of our mandate. In these two months, we will have a single varietal tasting (Riesling), a Vintages Pre-Release (VPR) featuring German and Pinot Noir wines, a special evening with Paul Speck from Henry of Pelham and Family Wines as well as another VPR featuring Southern Rhone and South African wines. Read more »

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations must be made by informing the Registrar at least five days before the event at eventssommelierguild dot com. If you do so within this time frame, you will receive a refund. If you cancel less than five (5) days before the event, you will be responsible for finding an alternate to fill your seat and for advising the registrar of your alternate?s name at least 12 hours prior to the event.

Renew Your Membership

The year 2012 was packed with exciting events: BBQ Wines and Small Plates, Aged Bordeaux and Canadian Wine Awards. 2013 will include an equally interesting array of events. All you have to do is click here to renew on-line. You will receive an acknowledgment from the Membership Director and will continue to receive our monthly newsletter and event notices.

We look forward to raising a glass with you in 2013!

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