Algonquin College Sommelier Program

While studying Commerce and Sociology at Carleton University, Vanessa journeyed through the food and beverage business, working her way up through the ranks at an array of eminent eateries and nightclubs. An adept addition to many establishments, Vanessa’s skills were repeatedly drawn upon to train staff. 

After touring some of Australia’s greatest wineries in the Yarra Valley and Margaret River regions, a new spark in her affair with gastronomic delights was ablaze! She returned to Ottawa with a newfound fervour to learn all she could about this facet of the hospitality industry she’d only dabbled in previously. 

A sommelier was born in 2005 as Vanessa graduated as Valedictorian of the Fast Track Sommelier program at Ottawa’s Algonquin College. This was followed quickly by the successful completion of the Advanced Certificate in Wine and Spirits offered by Britain’s distinguished Wine and Spirit Education Trust. 

Now, as Bar Manager and Sommelier for The Keg Steakhouse and Bar, Vanessa has the opportunity to apply the extensive knowledge she’s collected over the years in a fun, fast-paced, professional environment.  

With Grape Potential, Vanessa hopes to reach a wide audience of wine lovers -amateur to aficionado- enhancing their experience with wine, as well as her own!