I Really Like Wine
Photo Cred: Alieska Robles Forest City Cookbook Photoshoot
I’ve worked in hospitality my whole life, but I never really liked wine until I was 25. I wanted a promotion at work, so I knew I’d have to learn about wine. Reluctantly, I tasted a 1993 Michele Chiarlo Barolo Cannubi—and IT BLEW MY MIND. I was hooked.
That one sip changed everything. I dove headfirst into wine education, taking courses, tasting as much as possible, and discovering a deep passion for the craft. I studied in the UK, the US, and Canada, developing a special appreciation for Ontario wines. I landed a job as a wine rep, allowing me to travel the world through wine, which has shaped my entire perspective today.
Why Wine?
I know this is lame, but for me wine is like poetry in liquid form. It’s also a snapshot of history, geography, and craftsmanship. Each bottle tells a story, from the vineyard to the glass, shaped by climate, soil, and the hands that made it.
But more than anything, I love getting people excited about wine and challenging their perceptions. Wine isn’t about price tags or prestige—it’s about flavor, experience, and enjoyment. My mission is to make wine approachable for everyone while still delivering incredible tasting experiences.
My Credentials & Experiences
I consider myself very lucky to have spent years traveling, refining my expertise, having amazing wine experiences, making a living, and earning top industry certifications along the way.
Some of my favourite moments include :
✔ Certified Sommelier – Court of Master Sommeliers
✔ Beer Pilgrimage Trip to Belgium - Charcoal Group of Restaurants
✔ Recognized Sommelier – International Sommelier Guild
✔ Running London’s only All-Canadian Wine List - Glassroots ‘16-’17
✔ Level 3 Wine & Spirits – WSET, London UK Wine School
✔ A day in the vineyard with David Becker - One Acre Wines, Napa - 2016
✔ Certified Beer Server – Cicerone
✔ Canadian Wine Scholar – Fine Vintage, Toronto
✔ VQA Promoter of the Year Award (2017) – CCOVI, Brock University
Leaving the 9-5 to Follow My Passion
During COVID, I stepped away from hospitality for a more stable 9-5 career. I enjoyed the job, but after hosting a private wine tasting for a friend, my wife said:
"I’ve never seen you smile this much after a day at the office."
She was right (as usual). She inspired me (as usual) and it changed everything.
I realized I wasn’t just passionate about wine itself—I loved teaching, storytelling, and sharing experiences..
Building LondonSomm – A New Chapter
From installing car stereos at 18 to running a downtown restaurant in my 20s, I’ve always been an entrepreneur. In 2017, I launched LondonSomm—no website, no business cards, just word-of-mouth recommendations and a passion for hosting intimate wine tastings.
Now, I’m all in again.
LondonSomm is my way of making wine accessible across Ontario, Canada, and beyond. Whether it’s private tastings, restaurant consulting, or wine education, my goal is to be SW Ontario’s best freelance sommelier while celebrating Canadian wines in a big way.
Let’s Share a Glass – Join Me at an Event!
You can find me every month hosting tastings at Staff Only in London Ontario, or book me for your own event. Cheers!