Barb Wild, DipWSET, CSW, Canadian Wine Scholar
Barb Wild is
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I fell in love with wine in 2009 during my extended career in specialty wholesale grocery. In 2011, I completed the Award of Excellence in Sustainability Management at UBC (Continuing Studies) and then went on to WSET Level 2 & 3 completing Level 3 in 2012.
My first wine job was a retail sales associate at Liberty Wine Merchants at Park Royal and then on to Legacy Liquor Store in the Olympic Village all the while studying and learning about this incredibly challenging and vast subject called wine. In January 2018 I shook hands with Steven Spurrier at Guildhall in London where I received the WSET (Wine & Spirits Education Trust) Diploma after passing one of the most challenging wine courses in the world. Needless to say, the learning doesn't stop. My motto: Life is short. Drink good wine. Now I dedicate most of my time to writing and travelling to wine regions to visit the characters and bottles that make wine interesting. Follow my journey by signing up for my newsletter. You will get a free copy of "Good Wine & How to Find It!" when you do. Thank you for being a curious wine lover! |
Meet our Team of Educators
Meet our team of Vancouver's finest.
They love to share their passion for international wine, grower champagne and whisk(e)y!
They love to share their passion for international wine, grower champagne and whisk(e)y!
Robert Stelmachuk
Sommelier
Robert is the recipient of Vancouver Magazine's Sommelier of the Year 2020 and has curated wine programs for Mott 32, le Crocodile, Blue Water Cafe, Chambar and The William Tell among other global programs in Las Vegas, Singapore and Hong Kong. He's a graduate of the WSET, ISG and Grand Prix du Sopexa, Robert is on his way to becoming a Master Sommelier with the CMS organization. You can follow Robert on FB & IG @robertstelmachuk
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Cynthia Opsal
Port Wine Specialist
Cynthia is a member of La Confraria do Vinho do Porto. an organization recognizing individuals for their contribution to the promotion & education of port wine. She is also the Brand Ambassador in Western Canada for The Fladgate Partnership. She's a long time contributor to the wine & spirit trade as well as a WSET Level 3 graduate. You can follow Cynthia on IG, Twitter & Clubhouse @cynthia_opsal
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Announcement coming..
Sommelier & Educator
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Mark Shipway
International Wine Specialist
Mark is a UK born Vancouver based wine & spirits professional. Considered one of Vancouver’s top wine educators, Mark is a certified sommelier, the education chair for the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers BC Chapter and the lead instructor with the Wine Scholar Guild.
You can follow Mark Shipway on Instagram @yaffler or LinkedIn |
Van Doren Chan
Champagne Specialist
Van Doren is a multiple Gold and Platinum award winning sommelier from the Vancouver International Wine Festival. She is also a noted food and wine educator, speaker, judge, television and radio guest. I love this lady!
You can follow Van Doren on Instagram at @vandorenchan |
Dan Volway
Whisky SpecialistDan Volway is a Certified Sommelier and Wine & Spirits Brand Ambassador and educator living the dream in Vancouver, BC. You couldn't meet a more genuine and kind industry guy!
You can follow Dan on Instagram at @volwaydan |
Behind the Scenes
These are the other good wine gals that make it happen!
Elli Petersilie
Marketing & Biz Dev SpecialistElli Petersilie is a mar-com specialist educated in Germany, more recently calling Whistler home. When not mushing dogs, or mountain bike racing, Elli gets stuff done! She has unique insights into building businesses and their respective communities. You can follow Elli on Instagram at @__findmeoutside__
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Cassandra Anderton
Foodie & Social Media SpecialistCassandra Anderton is a freelance travel, food, wine, and lifestyle writer, blogger and broadcaster. She consults on Public and Media Relations, curates content and produces social media marketing for brands in the food, drink, health and travel industries. You can follow Cassandra on Instagram at @goodlifevan
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Nicole Whittle
Brand & Creative SpecialistNicole Whittle is a visual specialist mastering the use of colour, emotion and creative storytelling. When she's not designing brands, logos and assets for her clients, she's sipping and learning about wine both locally and internationally. You can follow Nicole on Instagram at @nicole.winenot
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