Alina Trefry

As an advanced sommelier with vast professional experience in a wide array of roles within the wine industry, Alina has done everything from serving millionaire executives and government officials on private planes, to running her own consulting business, to driving a forklift and scrubbing filthy winery drains.

The adventure started when she moved from the wild mountain country of northern British Columbia to downtown Toronto in her beat-up little hatchback over 20 years ago. It was here that she chanced herself into a job at a large LCBO store and had her memorable introduction to her very first glass of wine (1998 Inniskillin Riesling). To say that is was love at first taste would be an understatement! Here lay the gateway to a lifelong obsession and a wild ride through the world of wine.

After acheiving several high level certifications and visiting wineries all over North America and parts of Europe, Alina's sights were set upon learning everything there is to know about the production process of wine - and becoming part of it! Once again she was on the move, leaving Toronto for the gorgeous Niagara region of southern Ontario to take part in the Winery and Viticulture Technician program at Niagara College.

She has since worked as an estate sommelier and cellarhand at some of Niagara's most prestigious wineries such as Flat Rock Cellars, Tawse, and Trius Estate Winery. As well, she worked her practicum harvest at Rockway Vineyards and has taken on the cellarmaster role at The Hare Wine Company. Most noteably, however, she was the first person to have ever been promoted to assistant winemaker while working and learning under the esteemed contributing Niagara wine industry-founding winemaker, Josef Zimmerman, at his personal estate, King's Court Estate Winery, in it's 33 year history!

Alina currently offers private wine tours to visit the very best hidden gem wineries in Niagara, and is planning on launching her own wine brand in the near future. Stay tuned!

In the Spotlight

Wine Gifting Guide: How to Choose the Right Wine for Anyone

With the holiday season fast approaching, thoughts of gift-giving are on the minds of many. If you are thinking of generously giving wine to friends, family, co-workers, staff, or clients, the following helpful tips will help ensure that your thoughtful gift brings joy and warmth to their holiday.

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Interview With Fromager Andre Derrick: Certified Cheese Expert

Certified cheese expert and Niagara local Andre Derrick discusses becoming a fromager and the Canadian cheese industry.

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Review of Cloudsley Cellars: Niagara Region Wine Country

Advances in viticulture research and technology have revealed the Niagara region of Ontario, Canada, to be an exciting hidden hotbed of great wine. In this article, I review a wonderful new addition: Cloudsley Cellars.

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  Wine Gifting Guide: How to Choose the Right Wine for Anyone

  2 years ago

  With the holiday season fast approaching, thoughts of gift-giving are on the minds of many. If you are thinking of generously giving wine to friends, family, co-workers, staff, or clients, the following helpful tips will help ensure that your thoughtful gift brings joy and warmth to their holiday.

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  Certified cheese expert and Niagara local Andre Derrick discusses becoming a fromager and the Canadian cheese industry.

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  Review of Cloudsley Cellars: Niagara Region Wine Country

  2 years ago

  Advances in viticulture research and technology have revealed the Niagara region of Ontario, Canada, to be an exciting hidden hotbed of great wine. In this article, I review a wonderful new addition: Cloudsley Cellars.