and even deeper knowledge of Spanish wines, it’s not surprising that he has helped build and run one of the most interesting (and tasty!) lists at the famous Patria, Toronto.

Through his travels in Europe, he forged strong relationships with some of the most astute and knowledgeable sommeliers, importers and collectors in the world and found a passion for finding both new and exciting family run wineries, and forgotten classical producers whose wines stood the test of time.

With this knowledge he joined Wineonline marketing company as their Senior Vice President of sales to help take the business to the next level. He is credited with the rebirth of their portfolio in the restaurant market, and now hosts some of the most luminous wine dinners Toronto has seen in years, featuring the world’s greatest estates.

from pub waitress to cocktail bartender, to sommelier and beverage director at some of the country’s best restaurants.

Born and raised in Toronto, her interest in hospitality was sparked at the age of 9 when she would insist on bartending for her father’s friends at their rugby club, despite being a bit young for the job. In the 25 years since then she has passionately pursued her career in hospitality with the same level of determination; constantly seeking new challenges and new opportunities to learn and expand her skill set.

Toni’s wine career began to truly take shape when she joined the opening team at alo Restaurant as their assistant sommelier, where she spent nearly 2 years. During her time with them, the restaurant was named the 2016 Best New Restaurant in Canada in the annual ranking by Canada’s Top 100, and in 2017 was named the #1 Best Restaurant in the country.

In 2018, Toni went on to open Giulietta, where she served as Beverage Director and curated their extensive wine & amaro program, while also training and guiding the team in all steps of service. Giulietta was subsequently named the 2019 Best New Restaurant in Canada by Canada’s Top 100. Toni now oversees the wine program for Restaurant 20 Victoria, which opened in June 2021. She also works as a wine & beverage consultant, and as a sales representative for the Brix + Mortar Wine Company.

Prior to starting her own company, Megan worked with a company that provided outsourced IT for marketing agencies, law firms, recruiters, asset managers and others. As a graduate of a multimedia design program Megan was self-employed creating web and programming for touch screen kiosks and interactive CD-Roms as well as a contract web producer for CBC Radio deploying intricate flash-based web companion pieces to accompany senior reporter documentary specials.

As the mamaIT slogan goes, ” IT with TLC” – Megan’s specialty is making tech easy and understandable for all. She makes sure to always use layman’s terms to explain, support and empower the end user. Megan strives to make sure each client has a solid tech foundation that is well maintained and secure.

When she’s not working, Megan can be found cooking and hosting dinner parties. Megan is passionate about getting outside and is a big fan of camping front and back country with her husband and two boys.

venture set up by Steven Spurrier and Hugh Johnson to publish the world’s best wine writing. She’s working to collect as many of the greats and the new talent as possible. She is buying much more expensive wine than she did when she published fiction! She can be found @hermione7031 on Instagram and the books are on www.academieduvinlibrary.com