Colin co-owns and operates Silver Springs Liquor Store, a 33-year-old NW Calgary boutique with a dedication to locality, craft production and sustainability across all facets of the liquor industry. You can often find Colin hosting agave, wine, beer, and cocktail events in-store, and like any true nerd, he’ll fascinate with tales of fermentation, unique culinary pairings, permaculture, and the olfactory. 

Erika’s love of wine came from spending almost a decade in the Okanagan Valley. After completing the WSET exams, she worked in various positions within the winery industry, including the illustrious title of cellar rat. Her Italian heritage makes her a fanatic about food and all things related to coffee and wine. Her career has included the positions of Wine Director, Wine Educator, and Corporate Buyer. 

Wine educator, contract speaker, freelance writer, and wine judge, with over 20 years of experience in the industry, Jenny is now focused on education, sharing her passion and expertise with both Canadian and international students through in-person classes and online instruction. Her mission is to inspire confidence and curiosity, making the world of wine approachable, inclusive, and exciting. 

The editor of Edmonton’s The Tomato food & drink, Mary holds the WSET Diploma, is an ISG-certified sommelier and Canadian Culinary Competition judge. She loves judging at the Alberta Beverage Awards as the products are top-notch, the competition stiff, and the judging lively. Tasting wines, spirits, and related products blind is the true, unbiased measure of a palate for Mary, as is judging with fellow professionals. 

A passion for beer led Natasha to become a beer judge, allowing her to explore the vast world of beer while discerning the very best examples. With more than a decade of industry experience, she has judged the Great American Beer Festival, World Beer Cup, Alberta Beer Awards, and more. As one of only fifteen Advanced Cicerones in Canada, Natasha is delighted to contribute to this year’s Alberta Beverage Awards. 

Patrick is a Calgary-born entrepreneur and hospitality veteran, owning and operating The Living Room Restaurant for the past 2 decades. Drawing on a background in hotel operations, he has developed multiple successful local concepts, including Añejo YYC and Blanco Cantina — as a founding partner shaping the city's culinary landscape. 

A relative newcomer to the wine industry, Tanis has spent the last 10 years learning everything she could from colleagues and agents while working at Keg n Cork Liquor Co. As often as she can, she travels to wine countries to eat and drink her way through the world of wine, beer, and spirits, and loves when people come back to say they’ve enjoyed a selection! 

Tom knows a thing or two about drinks competitions. With nearly 50 competitions under his belt as a judge at competitions across Canada and around the world (plus more than a few cocktail competitions) and roles in managing, running, and consulting on 30 competitions and counting. It could be said that he’s made a bit of a career of it. Putting on a well-run show with results to proudly stand beside is a pretty awesome accomplishment.  

David Nuttall has worked in liquor since the late 1980s. He got his Beer Judge Certification in 2012 and was head judge for Calgary International Beerfest as well as judging the Alberta Beverage Awards and Alberta Beer Awards. He has appeared on radio, television, and the movie Aleberta: Our Beer History. He is a freelance writer in print and online, beer judge, speaker, and beer educator. @abfbrewed. 

With more than a decade of leadership in Calgary’s wine industry, Erin’s experience spans hospitality, repping, retail, events, digital strategy, and the secondary market. Her path includes leading roles with Top Drop Canada and Bricks Wine Company, wine competition judging, and formative experiences with Iron Gate Auctions, Vine Styles, The Wine Syndicate, and Vintage Group.  

Laurie MacKay is the Drinks Columnist on CBC Radio in Calgary, a certified sommelier, Rioja educator, wine consultant and founder of Soulvines. Born and raised in Alberta, she brings more than 20 years of industry experience and has curated and hosted a wine and beer focused tour with Expedia Cruises. Laurie is proud to return as a judge for the Alberta Beverage Awards. Find her at soulvines.com and @Soulvines. 

Cork’s General Manager, Matt Stortz, began his wine journey over 20 years ago. His diverse experiences as a restaurant manager, wine importer, and wine director, have given him a broad range of knowledge, and he takes pleasure in demystifying wine and cultivating enjoyment for wine enthusiasts of all levels. His philosophy is simple: "There is never the best wine; there is the right wine for today." 

A graduate of UQAM, Nathalie moved west in 2004 and embarked on a 10-year adventure as Conference Services Manager at the Banff Centre. Following her passion for wine and people, she opened Vine Styles in 2014. Nathalie has judged the ABA for over twelve years, served on the Alberta chapter of the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers, and serves on the Kensington Business Improvement Area board. 

Shelley Boettcher is an award-winning writer and editor whose work has appeared in newspapers and magazines around the world, including The New York Times and The Guardian. The author of the best-selling books, Uncorked: The Definitive Guide to Alberta's Best Wines $25 and Under, she holds WSET level 3 and International Sommelier Guild level 2 certification. She splits her time between Calgary and Italy, @shelleyboettcher 

Tara believes every bottle holds a story that’s waiting to be uncorked. With taste buds that have explored every corner of the culinary, hospitality, and retail world, she has seen and experienced many changes to the industry and met many amazing people over the past 25+ years. She strives to make good wine and spirits accessible, providing an honest and educational experience by weaving it all together.