Allison Vidug

Background

About Allison Vidug

Professionally passionate for wine, hospitality and culinary presentation. Career built on two decades of experience in premium hotels, boutique restaurants, wineries and steak and seafood houses. Key moments include: 1. Graduating with honours from the Food and Beverage Management Program, George Brown College, Toronto (2006) 2. A three year career with Fairmont Hotels,(Chateau Lake Louise and The Royal York) learning the finer points of service.(2003-2006) 3. Having "the wine light bulb" turn on by understanding there really is something special about wine. This occurred while taking the International Sommelier Guild Level 2 Certificate with instructor Peter Bodnar Rod.(2005) 4. Understanding the true meaning of a "sense of place" while living on Salt Spring Island, BC and tasting the bounty of the Gulf Islands.(2006) 5. Realizing there is a lot of behind-the-scene work to wine production including: chemistry, vine biology, wine marketing and winery business at Niagara College and at her eight month practicum at Coyote's Run Winery.(2006-2008) 6. Taking on the role of President of the Niagara College Wine Club to plan, organize and present weekly wine tastings to her peers for two years.(2007-2008) 7. Winning the Spirits Sector of the 2007 Toronto Wine Tasting Challenge. Winning provided the opportunity to travel to Scotland to tour historic distilleries and the reassurance she was on the right career track.(2007) 8. Moving to the Okanagan Valley to take on the position of winemaker at Kalala Winery and later moving on to Director of Hospitality and Sommelier at Rollingdale Winery.(2008) 9. Taking on a new challenge, the Wine and Spirit Education Trust Diploma.(2009) 10. Managing an award winning wine program at a downtown Toronto top steak and seafood restaurant.(2012 - present) 11. Attending Pinot Camp Willamette Valley 2019. Owning and operating my seasonal business, AT THE LAKE, in Muskoka, Ontario. Creating specialized meal kits, catering and wine events for clients.