With an active career in the radio and television industry since 1988, Kevin has done it all from radio host, television host, writer, actor and television producer.Presently as the Thirsty Traveler Kevin travels the world exploring amazing locations, meeting fascinating people, tasting exotic foods all in an attempt to quench his thirst on the superlative scotches, winning wines, choice champagnes, rare rums, preferred ports, well you get the picture!
Billy Munnelly is the champion of good everyday wine. One of Canada’s most creative wine writers, Billy Munnelly has delivered irreverent, lighthearted and enlightening wine advice for 30 years. Munnelly’s goal has been to remove confusion and intimidation from the wine selection process – taking it back from the snobs. This year’s Billy’s Best Bubbles session will including his favourite fizzes from around the world, including special selections from iconic Champagne house G.H Mumm and Inniskillin Sparking Icewine.
Edward Finstein is a well-known wine expert and TV personality. He writes wine columns in magazines, newspapers and on the internet across the country and abroad, and travels around the world to judge wine competitions. Edward is also a Professor of Wine at an accredited college, lectures and conducts wine seminars worldwide and is a consultant to the trade.
Gordon Stimmell has spent the past 35 years studying wines from around the world. He grew up in Europe, and since moving to Canada has traveled extensively visiting wine growing regions globally and interviewing distinguished winemakers and producers. Currently Gord tastes and rates up to 6,000 wines a year, both in Canada and in foreign countries. Gord is currently the wine writer at the Toronto Star and Starweek editor. He also acts as a judge at tastings and an expert at seminars.
John is Canada's first and currently only Master Sommelier, and vice-president of the Wine Writers’ Circle. He is editor-in-chief for Wine Access's First-in-Line eReport & Buyer's guide +, as well as wine editor for CityBite Magazine, a contributor to WineAlign.com and Wine & Spirits Magazine, and a regular guest on Classical 96.3FM. The rest of his time is spent designing wine programs for restaurants across the province, teaching, judging and guest speaking around the world. To round out his experience and get closer to the land, he also owns a small vineyard in Eger, Hungary. As a holder of a 2nd degree black belt in Karate, his grapes are well protected, too.
Zoltan Szabo • Sommelier • Media
Zoltan is a Toronto-based sommelier, wine consultant and educator. Zoltan is the quintessential North American success story; from non-English speaking busboy to star sommelier in under a decade. In 2008, Wine Business International magazine referenced Zoltan as one of the most influential wine professionals in Canada. Zoltan is a member of the Wine Writers' Circle of Canada, consults for Skyline Boutique Hotels & Resorts and Eight Wine Bar, judges at national and international wine competitions and regularly speaks at wine events.
Tony Aspler • Writer
Tony Aspler, a member of the Order of Canada, has been writing about wine since 1975. The wine columnist for The Toronto Star for 21 years, he has authored 15 books on wine and food, including The Wine Lover's Companion, The Wine Lover Cooks, Travels With My Corkscrew, Vintage Canada and The Wine Atlas of Canada. His latest book is Tony Aspler’s Cellar Book.
Christopher Waters is co founder and editor of Vines, a national consumer magazine aimed at Canadians who buy, drink and enjoy wine and are passionate about the subject. For the past 12 years, he has worked as a professional wine writer and educator. His wine column, Waters & Wine, is syndicated through Sun Media in four provinces. In addition, Waters is head judge of the InterVin International Wine Awards and on staff at the Cool Climate Oenology & Viticulture Institute, Brock University where he wine appreciation courses each year.
