David has worked in liquor since the late 1980s. He achieved his Beer Judge Certification in 2012, and is the head judge for Calgary International Beerfest, and judges the Alberta Beverage Awards and Alberta Beer Awards. He has appeared on radio, television, and in the movie Aleberta: Our Beer History. A freelance writer and speaker, David has run Brew Ed beer courses since 2014. @abfbrewed 

Jen Sarpe began her wine journey in 2017, quickly earning her WSET Diploma with Merit and Court of Master Sommeliers Introductory Certification. With a background in digital forensics, she brings analytical skill and tech-driven creativity to wine marketing and operations. She also leads tastings, with a focus on no- and low alcohol offerings. Find her at Vine Styles, where she is the Social Stylist & Marketing Manager.

Laurie MacKay is the Drinks Columnist on CBC Radio One in Calgary, a certified sommelier, Rioja educator, wine consultant, and founder of Soulvines. Born and raised in Alberta, withover 20 years of experience in the industry she has hosted a wine-focused tour with Expedia Cruise Ships. Laurie is proud to return as a judge for the Alberta Beverage Awards and looks forward to discovering new standouts. 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."

Sergio Flores is a seasoned retail liquor expert with over 25 years' experience in the Alberta beverage alcohol industry. Working the last few years on the retail side as the Director of Marketing for Highlander Wine & Spirits, but also many years as an agent and restauranter specializing in creating compelling in-store and online experiences with innovative merchandising strategies, insights, and inventory management.

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, Tara has recently launched the L’OCA Cellars ship, while charting the course for ORO Trattoria and PYRO Wood-Fired Kitchen & Bar’s wine program. She strives to make good wine and spirits accessible by providing an honest and educational experience. 

George has worked in fine dining restaurants for over 40 years, both in Toronto and Calgary. As Wine Director of the prestigious Bears Den, he created award winning wine lists. He is also the Sommelier at Ranahans, the most exclusive restaurant at the Calgary Stampede.

Wine educator, contract speaker, freelance writer, and wine judge, with over 20 years of experience in the industry, Jenny has explored many facets of the wine world. Now focused on education, she shares her passion and expertise with students through in-person classes, and online instruction. Her mission is to inspire confidence and curiosity in every student, 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.

Certified Level 1 Cicerone and flavour consultant. Rachel has been helping create new products for the Caesar and Spirit communities. She is currently studying for her BJCP exam in order to keep up with her passion as a beer judge. You can find her at most patios asking brewers for summer stouts and patio porters, because beer that gets better as it warms up just makes sense in the summer!

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 her WSET level 3 and International Sommelier Guild level 2 certification. She splits her time between Calgary and Italy. Find her on Instagram @shelleyboettcher.