Inside the Wine Industry: Two Day Immersive Bootcamp
Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast looking to refine your skills or aspiring to join the ranks of the province's top sommeliers, this wine industry immersion programmes offers a comprehensive, hands-on training experience that will deepen your understanding of wine, service, and opportunities within the global wine business.
This immersive programme brings together industry leaders, top sommeliers, and key figures from the wine trade to guide you through critical aspects of the wine profession and assist in those looking at all career avenues. Facets of the wine trade that will be covered throughout the 2 day are:
- Blind tasting
- Wine programme management & list strategy
- Costing in retail and restaurants
- Regional masterclasses
- Sales & storytelling around wine
- Service skills & techniques
- Importing into Western Canada
- Navigating provincial distribution as a buyer
Throughout the two day programme, you’ll have the unique opportunity to engage with top sommeliers and influential members of the wine trade. Learn from their real-world experiences, ask questions, and gain invaluable insights into what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of the profession. Full itinerary will be available on October 14, 2026.
By the end of this programme, you will have the knowledge and hands-on experience to elevate your career in the world of wine. Join us for an some unforgettable sessions, where passion for wine meets professional expertise.
Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot today! Must ensure you are available both days and the early evening of Monday, October 26, 2026.
Coaches, Session Leaders & Panelists:
- Kelcie Jones, Co-Founder - This is Wine School, Best Sommelier of BC 2023, 2023 MICHELIN Guide Vancouver Sommelier
- Chris Turyk, Top 3 Best Sommelier of BC 2015, Director of Sales & Marketing - Unsworth Vineyards, Stage 2 MW Student
- Peter Van de Reep, Wine Director - L'Abattoir Restaurant, CMS Advanced Sommelier, Best Sommelier of BC 2020
- Hussain Askari, Former Director of Operations - Wine Vault Vancouver
- Pete Marshall, Founder & Owner of Sur Lie Imports, DipWSET
- Chris Reilly, Wine Director - Hawksworth Restaurant Group, Vancouver Magazine Sommelier of the Year 2025
- Vivi Calderón - Co-Founder - Kava Selections
- Andrés Villegas, Co-Founder - Kava Selections, CMS Advanced Sommelier
- Lisa Giovanella, Certified Educator - WSET, Stage 2 MW Student
- Andrew Forsyth, Wine Director - Stablehouse Group, Best Sommelier of BC 2024
- Reverie Beall, Wine Director & AGM - AnnaLena, 2024 MICHELIN Guide Vancouver Sommelier
- Michael Littleford, Educator - This is Wine School, Best Sommelier of BC 2026, DipWSET
Full Itinerary here.
Date: Two-day programme commencing, Monday, October 26, 2026 until the afternoon of Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
Start Time: 9:30 am on Monday, October 26, 2026
End Time: 4:00 pm on Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Location: The Vancouver Club - 915 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6C 3J1
Lunch provided with registration
