Board of Directors

Bruce Wallner is a Master Sommelier and owner of Sommelier Factory, a wine education provider, and Grand Cru Deli in Toronto.

With over 15 years of experience in hospitality, sales, and marketing across global markets, Ekta brings a wealth of expertise to her role as Social Media Director at CAPS Ontario. Her deep-rooted passion for wine is supported by certifications from WSET, George Brown College, and Brock University. Ekta is also committed to continuous learning and is currently pursuing the Professional Cheesemonger program, which she expects to complete by summer 2025. Ekta’s Instagram presence, @awesommom_ekta, connects with a growing community of wine and cheese enthusiasts, sharing insights and pairing tips that resonate with her audience. In addition to her work with...

I started my working career in the hospitality industry, then took a little detour and earnt a PHD in Geology. I spent 15 years in the mining industry, had a mid-life crisis and a career change and am now a Certified Sommelier. George Brown College Continuing Education provided me with the platform to develop and nurture my passion for Wine Education- I undertook the Wine Specialist Certification and then graduated from the CAPS Certified Sommelier Program Certificate. Over the past 10 years, I have furthered my education to include certificates from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET). In addition to...

Hi my name is Srinivasa Reddy Velagala but i go by Sri. I was born and brought up in India. Before I moved to Canada, I attended hospitality college in India and worked for 5 years in various Star hotels across the country. I moved here as an International student and attended George Brown college. At George Brown I finished Food and Beverage MAnagement. I found interest in wine while studying WSET-1 and 2. After Covid I took wine education seriously and continued it through the Court of Master Sommeliers- Americas. Last year I earned my Certified Sommelier Pin from CMS. My experience is...

Connor Gallagher is the wine director at Riviera in Ottawa, as well, he works as a wine consultant in the Ottawa & Gatineau area curating several wine lists and educating restaurant teams.  Prior to this Connor worked as a Sommelier in British Columbia and more recently in Montreal, where he honed his craft and significantly increased his exposure to the world of wine both locally and internationally.   After passing his Advanced Court of Masters Sommelier exam on the first attempt in 2018, Connor is now a Master Sommelier candidate, having sat the theory exam in 2020 and 2022. Connor...