Looking for a job in the wine, craft beer & spirits business?

Want to know what people are always asking me? Since I began working in the wine industry over 10 years ago, there are two questions that I am constantly asked:

“I was away on holidays in ‘wherever’ and discovered X Wine that isn’t at the LCBO. How can I get it shipped into Ontario?”

“I want to get a job in the wine and beer business. Any tips on where to start?”

If I had a loonie…no, make that a toonie….for each time these questions come up in a conversation while I have a glass of wine in hand, I would be drinking Champagne every day!

Opportunity Knocks

With the rapid growth of the wine, craft beer and premium spirits too, there are countless opportunities to either join an established agency or to start your own. You just need to be ‘in the know’ about them. Additionally, you can get in on the ground floor at local wineries, craft breweries and distillers who are staffing up before they open their doors. Still you need to be ‘in the know’ as rarely are these job posted on Workopolis or Monster.

Keeping your ear to the ground approach may not conjure up many job opportunities quickly.

So how to get a jump start?

The Answer: attend the informative seminar ‘Importing Wine, Craft Beer & Spirits for Pleasure & Profit’ led by industry expert Steven Trenholme.

Event info

This seminar is hosted three times a year (twice in Toronto & once in Ottawa). The next seminar takes place in Ottawa on November 1^st, 2014. For details and to register for the Ottawa event click here. You can also attend the Toronto seminar on November 7^th, 2014.

Can’t make this date? Email cheers@savvycompany.ca to receive information once the next dates once they are set.

Introducing…Industry Guru Steven Trenholme

Steven he knows everything AND everyone in the industry. In his 30+ year career, he has been a wine agent, a brand manager for Mosel wines (of Germany), the Canadian representative for South African Wines, a ‘head hunter’ for wine and beer companies and a manager of a national agency. Steven definitely has the ‘how tos’ for the above two questions that I am always asked!

“As Canadians thirst for more diversity in the alcoholic beverages that they consume, this presents a very real opportunity for new agents and importers,” states Steven. “There are hundreds of wineries around the world actively looking for importers to represent them in Canada, so there are many opportunities to develop a full or part-time career in the industry.”

What’s What at the LCBO

The statistics validate these opportunities too. During 2011-2012 fiscal year, the Liquor Control Board of Ontario reported sales of over $3.2 billion worth of imported alcoholic beverages – a 6% increase over the previous year. During the same year, the LCBO reported that overall beer sales hit $908.8 million – a 4% (or $35 million) increase of the previous year.

If you are intrigued about the wine, beer or spirits industry – whether importing it or getting involved in the growing Canadian industry, you will find Steven’s seminar invaluable. The knowledge he will share will add credibility to your job application as it is THE ‘must attend’ seminar in the beverage alcohol business. After this seminar, you’ll definitely have a head start on your job search or might even be inspired to go out on your own. That is what happened to me. I attended it twice to keep up on the changing rules of importing wines, as well as the operations and processes of the LCBO and the SAQ in Quebec.

“There are still hundreds of wine suppliers around the world actively looking for importers to represent them in Canada, so there are certainly opportunities to develop a full or part-time career in the wine industry”, reports Steven.

Curious about the wine industry?

Rest assured that your head will be spinning from all of the information you collect at his seminar, yet Steven is only a few clicks away to help you get started or answer additional questions. He is a wealth of knowledge and THE man to know if you are curious about working in the wine industry or importing your favorite wines back after a trip abroad.

“I have taken a few courses where ‘the business of wine’ has been a required component, but NOTHING has compared to the relevancy of Steven’s content. If you are considering a career in the beverage alcohol business in Ontario, you need this information. Steven is experienced, professional and he offers sound advice delivered succinctly in one day,”
offers Alyson Carmichael, LCBO Manager & Product Consultant in Oakville.