Darren Oleksyn has been writing about wine and spirits for over ten years, including a monthly column in the Calgary Herald for over a decade. Holding an advanced certificate from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, he has toured wine regions in Canada, the United States, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Germany. 

David has worked in liquor since the late 1980s. He achieved his Beer Judge Certification in 2012, and is the head judge for Calgary International Beerfest, and judges the Alberta Beverage Awards and Alberta Beer Awards. He has appeared on radio, television, and in the movie Aleberta: Our Beer History. A freelance writer and speaker, David has run Brew Ed beer courses since 2014. @abfbrewed 

Wine educator, contract speaker, freelance writer, and wine judge, with over 20 years' experience in the industry, Jenny has dabbled in many facets of the wine world. Currently in wine education, she shares her passion and knowledge with local and international students, running WSET courses and exams with Fine Vintage across Canada and the USA, and teaching at SAIT Hospitality and Tourism faculty. 

The editor of Edmonton’s The Tomato food & drink, Mary is an ISG-certified sommelier, WSET Diploma holder, and Canadian Culinary Competition judge. She loves judging at the Alberta Beverage Awards as the products are top-notch, the competition stiff, and the judging lively. Tasting wines, spirits, and related products blind is the true, unbiased measure of a palate for Mary, as is judging with fellow professionals. 

A graduate of the University of Quebec, Montreal native Nathalie moved west in 2004 and embarked on a 10-year adventure as Conference Manager at the Banff Centre. Recruited to partner in business, she pursued her passion and became Vine Styles’ CED (Chief Experience Designer). With hard work, dedication, and amazing multi-tasking skills, Nathalie has been the sole owner of Vine Styles since 2019. 

Stephen Bezan is the Purchasing Manager at Edmonton's Sherbrooke Liquor. Over the past 10 years he has curated and expanded their craft beer selection, helping them receive Alberta Beer Awards Retailer of the Year, and the title of one of the Best Bottle Shops in the World according to Ratebeer.com. Stephen is also an official Sake Sommelier and Educator through the UK-based Sake Sommelier Association.  

Taylor Simpson discovered wine shortly after his 18th birthday, working for Willow Park Wine and Spirits, attending wine events to ‘pre drink’ before going out. Eventually some of the knowledge penetrated his brain, leading to work in restaurants, including Rush and Rouge, before joining Teatro as a Sommelier in 2018. Taylor is the Wine Director for Teatro group, overseeing the largest restaurant wine cellar in Calgary. 

Dave Gingrich started his beverage career at Willow Park Wines and Spirits over 23 years ago, and has built quite a name for himself and Willow Park Beer section with his ‘Dave the Beer Guy’ persona. He has also embraced two other specialty categories, Sake and Mead, which add a fun dynamic to the sales floor. Dave is always jovial and loves making people laugh. 

Erin has worked nearly every front-of-house position and even as a wine rep, before realizing her true passion is wine retail and events. Constantly learning, she has completed both ISG and WSET courses, and is currently working towards her Wine Scholar Guild Champagne Master-Level certification. Erin has a deep appreciation that while the study of oenology is complex, enjoying a glass of wine is completely effortless! 

Laurie MacKay is best known as the Drinks Columnist on CBC Radio One in Calgary. She is also a sommelier, wine educator, and founder of Soulvines. Laurie is proud to return as a judge for the Alberta Beverage Awards, and is curious to see what new drink gems she will discover this year during the three-day competition. Find her at soulvines.com, @Soulvines 

Cork’s General Manager, Matt Stortz, began his wine journey over 20 years ago. His diverse experiences as a restaurant manager, wine importer, and wine director, have given him a broad range of knowledge, and he takes pleasure in demystifying wine and cultivating enjoyment for wine enthusiasts of all levels. His philosophy is simple: "There is never the best wine; there is the right wine for today."  

Rachel Drinkle is a passionate entrepreneur with a deep-rooted love for the craft beverage industry. She opened Caesar Shop, the first all-Canadian liquor boutique in the country, and collaborated with vendors to create new products celebrating the diversity of Canadian terroir. She is the founder of YYCaesarfest, through which she has brought together enthusiasts and industry leaders to innovate within the craft beverage scene. 

Tara believes every bottle holds a story that’s waiting to be uncorked. With taste buds that have explored every corner of the culinary, hospitality, and retail world, Tara has recently launched the L’OCA Cellars ship, while charting the course for ORO Trattoria and PYRO Wood-Fired Kitchen & Bar’s wine program. She strives to make good wine and spirits accessible by providing an honest and educational experience.