Board of Directors

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...

  Beibei Hou is a seasoned hospitality professional with over 15 years of experience in the industry. As a Certified Sommelier by both the Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS) and the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers (CAPS), Beibei has honed her expertise in wine and beverage service. Her journey in the hospitality world began humbly as a food runner when she arrived in Canada in 2012. Since then, Beibei has cultivated a passion for wine, acquiring extensive knowledge and skills to provide exceptional dining experiences. With her warm hospitality and deep understanding of the intricacies of wine, Beibei is dedicated...

  Jennifer Wood transitioned from a successful 20+ year career in the legal field to the world of wine in 2017, driven by her passion for a subject far more enjoyable to discuss! As a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS) and a current WSET Diploma student, Jennifer has quickly made her mark in the industry.In 2021, she co-founded Corkscrew Imports, a boutique wine importing business where she delights in discovering and introducing unique wines to the market. Now in her second year on the board of the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers, Jennifer is committed to...