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INSTRUCTOR

Alex was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. After obtaining an Honors degree in Political Science and History and an Advanced Certificate in Public Policy and Administration from the University of Winnipeg, she fell in love with wine while travelling Europe for a year after graduation. After completing a full harvest in the Languedoc-Roussillon, she returned to Winnipeg and started working for Jones & Company Wine Merchants in 2016. She worked there for three years, during which time she completed her WSET Levels 2 & 3 and the CAPS Diploma Program in May, 2020 to become a certified Sommelier. After briefly working as a sales representative for Elevage Selections in Winnipeg, she recognized that her true passion was working in the service industry. Alex is now employed at the Manitoba Club, one of the Platinum Clubs of the world, working as a Sommelier and Supervisor. Traveling for wine and food remains a big passion of hers and has taken her all over the world. More recently, Alex traveled to Scandinavia where she worked with an importing company, traveling all through Finland. She also completed two harvest stints at Averill Creek on Vancouver Island. Her most recent accomplishment include being awarded the CAPSTONE Canada Scholarship on behalf of CAPS Canada and California Wines Canada, winning the title of 2021 Best Sommelier of Manitoba, and winning the preliminaries for the Master Port of Canada, which allowed her to travel to Portugal to represent Manitoba.

INSTRUCTOR

INSTRUCTOR

Marlies has been involved in the Winnipeg wine community for over 25 years. During this time, she has held many roles including purchaser, manager and educator – presently she is general manager at the winehouse, one of Manitoba’s private wine stores. She is also dedicated to growing the wine culture in Winnipeg and has volunteered time with the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers – Manitoba Chapter.

Marlies believes wine is a life-long learning journey and is constantly seeking education opportunities. Over the last number of years, she has attained certifications from Brock University CCOVI: Certificate in Ontario Wine, Ontario Craft Wineries Certificate of Merit, BC Wine Ambassador Level 1 and has completed study programs through Wines of Germany, Wines of South Africa and California Capstone (Level 1). Marlies completed WSET Level 2 Award in Wines and Spirits in 2018 and WSET Level 3 Award in Wines in 2019 and the WSET Diploma in 2024.

In addition to wine Marlies holds certifications in cider, she is a USACM Certified Cider Professional (Level 1) and holds a Foundation Certificate in Cider and Perry Production from the Cider Institute of North America.

INSTRUCTOR

Jesse was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba where he worked in hospitality and restaurants for many years. First cooking in professional kitchens, then serving, pouring wine and organizing pop-up and catering events across the city. In 2015 he founded Elevage Selections and began importing organic and natural wines which he still does today. Over the years Jesse has also lived and worked abroad, including a few years in London, England where he completed his WSET Diploma and worked as a sommelier. He has also lived and worked throughout France. His years spent in Europe provided ample opportunity for travel and allowed Jesse to visit, explore and work in many wine regions. Today Jesse lives in Winnipeg making cider from local apples as Next Friend Cider and is the winemaker at Low Life Barrelhouse.

INSTRUCTOR

INSTRUCTOR