The Instructors
James Cluer MW
James began his career in the wine trade in 1988, working for an importer in Hong Kong. After attending a number of tastings he got hooked, and took his first WSET course at aged 18. Barely legal...
You can read more about James by visiting Our Story.
David Hopgood - Vancouver
In my opinion, David Hopgood knows more about wine and spirits than anybody else in British Columbia. After all, he spent 19 years as the head buyer for BC Liquor Stores and was ultimately in charge of selecting the wines that we drink here.
He has visited almost every single wine region and since 1991 has spent most days meeting with producers and tasting at the head office in Vancouver. David was inducted into the brotherhood of The Commanderie du Bontemps du Medoc et des Graves, Sauternes et Barsac, which is a great honor. He is also a respected judge at several wine competitions and sat on the VQA panel for many years.
Best of all, he has a wicked sense of humor to complement his vast knowledge. I'm delighted to be working with David and I'm sure you'll enjoy his instruction.
Paul Gregutt - Washington State
Paul Gregutt is recognized as the leading wine writer in Washington State. He writes for the Seattle Times, Wine Spectator, Decanter, Wine Enthusiast magazine, and a host of publications in Eastern Washington. Gregutt's best-selling new book "Washington Wine & Wineries: The Essential Guide" is considered to be the best guide and review of the state's wineries.
We are thrilled that Paul has joined our team of first class instructors in WA. He has a relaxed, entertaining and humble style. And everyone loves it when he plays the guitar and sings tunes about 90 point wines! You can learn more about Paul at www.paulgregutt.com
Joel Butler MW - Seattle
Joel was one of the first Americans to pass the Master of Wine exams back in 1990. He is the Director of Wine Education for Chateau Ste Michelle, Vice President of the Institute of Masters of Wine in North America, a respected judge at the Decanter World Wine awards, and generally considered to be one of the leading wine experts in the Americas. Joel has worked in vineyards in Europe, worked as a wine buyer in the Bay area, and spent many years making wine and teaching WSET courses in Napa Valley. We're thrilled to have Joel run the courses with us in Seattle.
Matt Browman - Calgary
Matthew Browman is in line to become Canada's second Master Sommelier. There are only 146 Master Sommeliers worldwide: a rare achievement in the wine industry. Browman completed the ISG Diploma in 2000, the WSET Diploma in Toronto in 2002, and has since completed the theory & service portions of the Master Sommelier exam in London & San Francisco.
Currently the General Manager at Vinestone Wine Co. in Cochrane, AB, Matt has experience as the lead judge for the Western Canadian Wine Awards, and has worked as the Sommelier at some of Canada's finest restaurants such as the Queen's Landing Hotel in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario and North 44 in Toronto. He has lived in Calgary since 2002 working in wine retail at J.Webb Wine Merchant as the main educator. His fourteen years of experience in the wine trade include hospitality, retail, education, judging and journalism. Matt has been operating the Calgary office of Fine Vintage Ltd. since 2006.
Lynn Coulthard - Vancouver
Lynn is in the process of becoming a Master of Wine. She holds the prestigious WSET Diploma and is also a certified Sommelier. Recently she qualified as a "Spanish Wine Educator" and achieved her "Certified Spirits Specialist" credential through the North American Society of Wine Educators.
She has worked in the hospitality and wine retail industries for over 20 years. Her wide range of experience includes 7 years of management with Four Seasons Hotels, several years as Wine Director for both Cin Cin and West, and she has managed retail stores for Liberty Wine Merchants.
Lynn is mad about wine and exudes passion when she teaches. Her laid back and entertaining style is always a big hit. She has traveled extensively, spending time in Tuscany, Piemonte, the Veneto, southern France, the Rhone, Portugal, California, Washington, and the Okanagan. She also runs courses for the Canadian government's BCLDB together with James Cluer. You'll love Lynn!
Brent Fraser - Multiple cities
Brent has over 15 years experience in the hospitality and wine business. He is currently preparing to sit the rigorous Master Sommelier exam, having already passed the MS Advanced level exam. Brent is a "cool wine guy" with a great sense of humor. He holds Diplomas from both the Wine and Sprit Education Trust (WSET) and the International Sommelier Guild (ISG) and has traveled extensively throughout the great wine regions of France, Italy, Spain, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the U.S.. He is currently the Food and Beverage Manager and Head Sommelier for Grouse Mountain where he oversees a 550 selection wine list in the fine dining Observatory restaurant.
Dennis Dwernychuck - Okanagan
Dennis has worked in the wine industry for 27 years. He is the senior Product Consultant at the LDB, and well known in the Okanagan for the numerous seminars he delivers on wine. Dennis fell in love with wine during trips to Germany, Italy and France. Since then he has travelled widely to other wine producing areas. In 1993, he became one of the first panel members to be certified by the BC Wine Institute for approving BC VQA wines. He is currently completing the WSET Diploma certification and has spent over 14 weeks doing WSET courses with James Cluer in the last 2 years.
"I have taken all of the WSET courses and they have been an enormous help to me in my job as a wine buyer for a $35 million per year retail store. The Fine Vintage tastings are first class, the instruction of the highest caliber, and there's no shortage of entertainment and laughs."
Marnie Harfield - Calgary
Marnie Harfield is a Master of Wine candidate, and has taught thousands of wine lovers in Texas, California and Alberta. As far as teaching goes, Marnie has more experience than almost anyone on our team. She holds the WSET Diploma and the ISG Diploma.
She is a qualified Sommelier and has run the wine programs at a host of fine dining restaurants. Her style is down-to-earth, interactive and approachable. To her, education is a never-ending journey that should not only bring knowledge, but a smile to your face and a glass of bubbles to your lips on a regular basis!