Mackenzie Putici
Mackenzie is the founder of New World Wine Tours and Eating Through TO, NOW New World Virtual Tours and Tastings!
After traveling the world tasting wines across Europe, Asia, Africa, and The Americas he’s returned home to promote the love of wine in Toronto. As a CMS certified sommelier, sake scholar, wine & spirits educator, and culinary tourism innovator he crafts intimate tours and wine events. Creating community through food and drink is a passion he looks forward to sharing with you.
Read More
Spencer Gooderham
Spencer Gooderham is the seventh generation, direct descendent of the Gooderham Family who built Canada’s first and largest distillery dating back to 1832.
With a Bachelors of Science and a Masters of Science in Public Health, he decided to return to the family roots and completed a certification at the Artisan Craft Distilling Institute.
He has served as the Canadian Whisky Ambassador for one of the largest spirit companies in the world, enjoying several years of traveling Canada and spreading his knowledge and passion for whisky coast-to-coast hosting over 300 tastings and whisky masterclasses.
As well as visiting and training at some of the world’s most notable distilleries.
Read More
Billy Killin
Billy Killin was one our first virtual cocktail mixologists. Having worked with Billy on in-person cocktail workshops, we just knew he’d be a great virtual cocktail guide.
Personable and knowledgable with a passion for all things cocktails, especially Rum, don’t get him started on rum unless you’re looking to learn about esters and leave with a new curiosity to try everything he recommends.
Billy has a WSET 1 for Spirits and Wine, was Canadian brand Ambassador for Flor de Cana Rum, is an International Cocktail Consultant and is definitely a Rum Connoisseur.
Looking for a change in scenery, currently he can be found mixing up cocktails and running the Food & Beverage program at The Outfitter Bar in Temagami, Ontario. And his cocktail creations can be found on menus around Toronto and beyond.
Read More
Michael Fortier
Michael Fortier is the Senior Advocacy and Engagement Manager for PMA Canada representing the Brown-Forman premium spirits portfolio.
A long time Toronto based cocktail bartender, Michael has worked on and ran cocktail programs for Richmond Station, The Drake Properties, El Rey, and Bar Raval.
He is a multi-time national cocktail competition winner and has represented Canada at global cocktail competitions in both London and Havana.
Michael loves sharing his passion for quality spirits in a way that makes it fun and approachable to enthusiasts of all levels.
Read More
Claire Freel
Claire Freel grew up in Niagara, Ontario and found her passion for beverage while travelling the world.
She has worked in all facets of the hospitality industry from restaurants, bars, and hotels, as well as breweries, wineries, and distilleries on multiple continents.
With a diploma in beverage and business from George Brown, Claire has worked in marketing as well as represented national and international spirit brands.
Read More
Julie Mecteau
Born in Quebec City, Julie aka “Jukie” was raised in the hospitality industry with restauranteur parents and learned the word “workaholic” at a very young age.
After 17 years in the service industry, obtaining 6 wine and spirit certifications, and living in Australia, Montreal, and NYC, she refocussed her hospitality experience to pursue her career as a Brand Ambassador.
Now living in Toronto, Jukie is rocking her dream job as National Brand Development Manager for Tequila Tromba, developing unique cocktails, and running tequila masterclasses for industry and enthusiasts, and taking life by story every day!
Read More
