Christian P. Hamel is the 2024 Best Sommelier of Ontario, Wine Director at Harbour Sixty Steakhouse in Toronto, and founder of Pelican Wine Imports. He holds the WSET Diploma and ASI Diploma (Gold) and is currently sitting for the Master Sommelier examination. With fine dining experience in France, USA, and Montreal, Christian brings global insight to his wine program. He champions low-intervention, quality-focused producers, has a passion for emerging regions, an enduring love for Jura and Burgundy, and an ever-thirsty palate for sparkling wines.

Julie discovered a passion for wine while working and traveling abroad which created multiple opportunities to visits to various wine producing regions along the way. Upon returning to Toronto, she attained the Certified Sommelier designation through the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers in 2013. She continued her education and has earned the title of Advanced Sommelier through The Court of Master Sommeliers and is also a Certified Italian Wine Ambassador through the VinItaly International Academy in Verona. In 2019 she placed First Runner up for the Best Sommelier in Ontario competition. Through her career Julie has spent time teaching the Wine Specialist Certificate program through George Brown College in Toronto. Her restaurant experience involves time spent as the Wine Director for the Four Season’s Hotel Toronto as well as Wine Director for Liberty Entertainment Group in Toronto where she built and managed the wine programs for 6 restaurants including two which received a Michelin Star. Julie now works as an independent Wine Consultant supporting restaurants and private collectors.

As a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, I am driven by the belief that wine is a universal language, capable of evoking memory, emotion, and connection. Whether through thoughtful pairings, evocative storytelling, or the quiet satisfaction of introducing someone to an unforgettable bottle, I strive to make wine both approachable and meaningful. While my heart is rooted in the Old World, drawn especially to the nuance of Burgundy, the minerality of the Mosel, and the energy of the Loire, I hold equal admiration for the innovation and expression of the New World. For me, excellence in wine service is not just about knowledge, but about creating moments that resonate.

Heather McDougall is a multi certified sommelier who has spent almost two decades honing her craft in both retail and restaurant settings across Canada. In 2020 Heather founded Sips Toronto specializing in edutaining virtual events. It quickly grew to also offer hospitality consulting, private cellar management and design, bespoke gifting and private education. Heather has just transitioned from Technical Director for the Ontario chapter of the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers to Hospitality Liaison after five years in that role and two Best Ontario Sommelier Competitions. She has also taught on behalf of CAPS, George Brown and Centennial Colleges and is national judge for Canada’s Best 100 Restaurants & Best 50 Bars.