About Vine Arts
Like fine art, great wine is all about passion. We believe that wine is more than a drink, it’s an experience, and we strive to create an unforgettable experience for our clients.
Vine Arts is dedicated to delivering wine information, education and consulting that is informative, fresh and fun. Our mission statement is “wine made simple” and we are committed to making wine accessible and unpretentious.
We’ve compiled a team of young, passionate wine professionals set to change the face of wine in Calgary and we are dedicated to stick a cork in stuffy, pretentious wine education!
Click here to view our upcoming *tastings and events* (hyperlinked to blog page).
What we do
Restaurants
In the restaurant business wine is money! As wine appreciation continues to grow, so does the consumers’ expectations for confident service, knowledgeable staff and an innovative wine list.
Stop leaving wine sales to chance! Our team of wine professionals can provide the services of a certified Sommelier at a fraction of the cost. Our services include:
- Wine List Creation/Consultation
- Staff Training and Education
- Cellar Management
Our Training Philosophy
We believe that in order for staff training to be effective, it has to be delivered in a manner that is relevant, interesting, un-pretentious and fun. We strive to reach individuals of all learning styles by incorporating visual, audible and kinaesthetic components that increase knowledge retention and learning.
Staff Training Structure
In order to meet the demands of limited time and the reality of staff turnover we deliver training programs that are flexible and efficient. We believe that ongoing training covering the basics of wine education, service, wine and food pairing, etc. is the key to success. Our programs are broken down into a number of courses (maybe hyperlink the word courses linking to a page with a list of our basic courses?) allowing our clients to create a custom program tailored to their desired level of wine education and service.
Wine List Building/Cellar Management
Our trainers are on the cutting edge of the industry constantly seeking out wines that are exciting, fresh and deliver excellent value. Too many restaurants pour their heart and soul into creating an amazing menu, décor and ambiance only to throw together a mediocre wine list.
Our certified Sommeliers create wine lists that are creative, balanced and suited to your individual menu, clientele, atmosphere, budget and space. Whether you are starting from scratch or have an existing list we will work with you to create an amazing experience for your clients.
Private
At Vine Arts we believe that wine is much more than just a drink, it’s an experience. Let us help you create an experience your friends, family or guests will never forget with the help of our passionate Sommeliers.
In home tastings
Why not turn your next night out into a night in? Whether it’s a special occasion or just a gathering of friends we will create a custom tasting suited to your needs, wants, budget and experience. You won’t have to worry about a boring stuffed shirt showing up to your house either! We specialize in tastings that are fun, informative and unpretentious.
Special Events
Let a Vine Arts Sommelier be the icing on the cake at your next special event. Whether it’s an intimate evening or a blow out party Vine Arts will add a little extra flare. Too often people pour their hearts and souls into planning their wedding, stagette, birthday or anniversary only to leave the wines and spirits to chance. Our knowledgeable staff will insure you have the perfect wines and spirits to match your food, tastes and budget.
Cellar Management
Whether you are considering building the cellar of your dreams or you are already an avid collector, Vine Arts cellar management services are a must. Be the first to know about hot, rare and “insiders” wines for your collection. Vine Arts is always on the leading edge of the industry and we will use our knowledge and industry connections to insure you are always one step ahead of the game.
Our monthly cellar management service will help to keep your selection up to date and organized. Our certified professionals do the hard work for you, allowing you to relax and enjoy your collection.
Corporate
Team Building
What better way to bring your team together than a fun and informative wine tasting (or perhaps you would prefer Single Malt Scotch?). Wine tasting and knowledge is a life long skill that will help to develop and improve communication within your team. Our knowledgeable professionals will create a customized tasting to suit your needs, whether it’s in the comfort and convenience of your workplace or a private room in one of Calgary’s hottest restaurants.
Corporate Events
Vine Arts can also help you pamper your clients and investors with a dinner or event they will not soon forget. Whether you want to host a relaxing evening or a blow out party Vine Arts will ensure your next special event is not soon forgotten.
Why let a hotel event coordinator choose the wine for your event? Our Sommeliers will choose the best wine to pair with your food and with our excellent relationships in the industry, at a largely reduced rate! Or, let us be a part of your event. Vine Arts wine and scotch tasting tables are the absolute “hit” of every event they are a part of.
Private Executive Tastings
Your Leaders work very hard so that they may enjoy the finer things in life. Why not introduce them to those things. Vine Arts Sommeliers will come right to your office or organize a private room at your favourite restaurant to give your leaders an unforgettable evening of unbelievable wines and spirits.
Vine Arts Executive tastings will also give your executives the tools to navigate a wine list with confidence at their next closing lunch or dinner.
Gift Baskets
Let Vine Arts put together gift baskets for your colleagues or clients. Simply give us a budget and your preferences and we will have our Vine Arts Sommeliers put together gift baskets that are sure to impress. Various wine accessories and Vine Arts gift certificates for private tastings are a stellar addition to these already great gifts!
Who We Are
Vine Arts Enterprises is based out of Calgary, Alberta and is comprised of a team of young, knowledgeable wine professionals dedicated to spreading our love for wine. Our mission statement, “wine made simple” reflects our dedication to making wine accessible and enjoyable for all of our clients.
Jesse Willis is the President and lead trainer for Vine Arts. Jesse left no stone unturned in his quest for knowledge and adventure. Beginning his education in Psychology, Jesse then moved on to become a sports hypnotist, knife defense instructor, Park Ranger and Personal Fitness Trainer before finding his life’s passion…wine. Armed with his Sommelier Diploma (ISG) Jesse spends his days working out, enjoying the great outdoors and sharing his love for wine and spirits. Jesse’s favourite wine regions are the Rhone Valley, Piemonte, Alsace and Germany.
Jeff Jamieson is the Vice President of Vine Arts and co-ordinates our sales and marketing. Jeff spent 12 years in restaurants learning all aspects of the industry. He started as a busboy and moved into the kitchen to become a line and prep cook. Jeff followed up a few years of bartending and serving by getting into management and eventually became the General Manager of downtown Calgary hotspot. Jeff’s love of wine was increased exponentially when he began to work at the nationally recognized boutique wine store Bin905. Jeff’s favorite regions are Champagne and Burgundy.