The Trail I Graze

I grew up in Winnipeg, Canada, a city better known for its cold Winter temperatures, hockey team, and vibrant arts scene than for its gastronomy. I received a Diploma in Hotel & Restaurant Administration, and the work placements included a private club, the local restaurant association, and a non-profit organization that operated independent food services within a hospital. I was part of the team of “A Taste of Manitoba”–once an annual outdoor food celebration, which taught me all about beverage tents, ice deliveries, and how to hook up plumbing for sinks and drains for festivals. In all that time, I tasted very little wine. In part, this was because there were not many opportunities to taste but also, I actually did not enjoy drinking it...From these humble, simple beginnings, fast forward more than 30 years from when I started working in the world of food and wine, and you’ll find me not only liking wine but working with it. I have always enjoyed working service and, in 1999, I completed my first major course in wine, the Sommelier Diploma course with the International Sommelier Guild. I went on to continue studying and tasting.

I have had the great pleasure of working with some of the world’s most recognized chefs in some of the world’s most prestigious restaurants. They have all understood that my feet are itchy and that my curiosity needs to be constantly stoked. I have been recognized as a unique voice in the world of natural wine in service, as a consultant and buyer, and occasional writer. In my quest to continue learning, I have staged at numerous restaurants around the world, participated in harvests in New Zealand, the United States, and Spain, and worked two weeks at a sake brewery inJapan(which was more difficult than four weeks of harvest at a winery!). My other passion is movement.

I still take dance classes and play around with the teachings of Moshe Feldenkrais, but it’s yoga that really keeps me going. I’ll find a yoga studio in almost any city I visit, or just get down on the floor and do some stretches in a hotel. I am a certified yoga teacher and can be found subbing a class in my hometown when I’m able, or leading pop-up classes for my peers in other cities. For more information, visit the section on Yoga & Wellness & Hospitality.